Memoirs of General Lafayette | Page 6

me,
I am not less affected by the feeling of gratitude, and that satisfaction of
thinking my endeavours were ever looked upon as useful to a cause in
which my heart is so deeply interested. Be so good, Sir, as to present to
Congress my plain and hearty thanks, with a frank assurance of a
candid attachment, the only one worth being offered to the
representatives of a free people. The moment I heard of America, I
loved her: The moment I knew she was fighting for liberty, I burnt with
the desire of bleeding for her: and the moment I shall be able of serving
her, in any time, or in any part of the world, will be the happiest of my
life. I never so much wished for occasions of deserving those obliging
sentiments I am honored with by these States and their representatives,
and that so flattering confidence they have been pleased to put in me;
which have filled my heart with the warmest acknowledgments and
most eternal affection.
"I pray you to accept my thanks for the polite manner in which you
have communicated the resolve of Congress; and I have the honor to be,
&c.
LAFAYETTE."
During the year 1778, some propositions were made to Congress from
the British ministry, through three commissioners, who were sent over
to America. The object was to bring about a cessation of hostilities, and
peace, without acknowledging our Independence. They were, therefore,
immediately rejected. In the address of the commissioners to Congress,
the French King and ministers were mentioned with great disrespect,
and represented as secret enemies to America; and therefore, not to be
believed in their engagements and promises in our favour. The Marquis
de Lafayette highly resented this heavy charge against his king and
government; and wrote a very spirited letter on the subject, to Lord

Carlisle, the principal commissioner. He seemed ready to appear as the
champion of his abused Prince and country, in the chivalrous manner
such attacks were met in former ages, when disputes were settled
between nations by single combat. The indignation he expressed was
honorable to his patriotic feelings; but, probably, his maturer years and
judgment would have chastened and moderated it.
Early in the year 1779, after an absence from his beloved family and
country of more than two years, Lafayette visited France: not however,
without the consent of Congress and also of General Washington, and a
determination to return to America at a future day. He embarked at
Boston. In waiting for a passage to France, the Marquis was several
weeks in Boston; and here became acquainted with John Hancock, Dr.
Cooper, S. Breck, Esq. and others, to whose families he became
particularly attached. The hospitable attention of the Bostonians, was
not lost upon him. With warm feelings and elegant manners, he was
well qualified to appreciate their patriotism and politeness; and
impressions were made upon his generous mind, favourable to their
characters, which he has not forgotten to the present day. In no place in
America, perhaps, did he find the citizens more congenial to his ardour
of affection and devoted love for civil liberty.-- It cannot be doubted,
that to a man of his amiable and tender feelings, the consideration of
meeting with his family and friends influenced him to this visit. But it
appears also, from his letters at that time, that he considered his duty to
his King and country required him to go to France. War was now
declared between France and England; and he believed himself bound
to give his personal services for the defence of his own nation. With all
his zeal in favour of liberty and of America, which he considered
engaged in its sacred cause against an arbitrary power, he
acknowledged his obligations to asset in protecting his native country.
If his King should consent, he engaged to return to America, and
devote himself again in support of her rights. The following letters will
justify this statement of his views, at the time of which we are speaking.
The first is from General Washington to the President of Congress.
"_Head Quarters, Oct. 13th_, 1778.
"SIR,
"This will be delivered to you by Major General, the Marquis de
Lafayette. The generous motives which first induced him to cross the

Atlantic, and enter the army of the united States, are well known to
Congress. Reasons equally laudable now engage him to return to
France, who, in her present circumstances, claims his services.
"His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and country, however
great, could not influence him to quit the continent in any stage of an
unfinished campaign; he resolved to remain at least till the close of the
present; and embraces this moment of suspense, to communicate his
wishes to Congress, with