Memoirs of General Lafayette | Page 7

a view of having the necessary arrangements
made in time; and of being still within reach, should any occasion offer
of distinguishing himself in the field.
"The Marquis, at the same time, from a desire of preserving a relation
with us, and a hope of having it yet in his power to be useful as an
American officer, solicits only a furlough, sufficient for the purposes
above mentioned. A reluctance to part with an officer, who unites to all
the military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgment, world
lead me to prefer his being absent on this footing, if it depended solely
on me. I shall always be happy to give such a testimony of his services,
as his bravery and good conduct on all occasions entitle him to; and I
have no doubt that Congress will add suitable expressions of their sense
of his merits, and their regret on account of his departure. I here the
honor to be, &c.
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
From the Marquis to Congress.
"_Philadelphia. Oct. 8th_, 1778.
"Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious instants of
Congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my
present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs
from affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my
country, can never be more properly spoken of, than in presence of men
who have done so much for their own. As long as I thought I could
dispose of myself, I made it my pride and pleasure to fight under
American colours, in defence of a cause which I dare more particularly
call ours, because I had the good fortune of bleeding for her. Now that
France is involved in a war, I am led by a sense of duty as well as by
patriotic love to present myself before my king, and know in what
manner he judges proper to employ my services. The most agreeable of
all will always be such as to serve the common cause among those,

whose friendship I had the happiness to obtain, and whose fortune I had
the honor to follow in less smiling times. That reason, and others,
which I leave to the feelings of Congress, engage me to beg from them,
the liberty of going home for the next winter.
"As long as there were any hopes of an active campaign, I did not think
of leaving the field. Now that I see a very peaceable and undisturbed
moment, I take this opportunity of waiting on Congress. In case my
request is granted, I shall so manage my departure, as to be certain
before going, the campaign is really over. Enclosed you will receive a
letter from his Excellency, General Washington, wherein he expresses
his assent to my obtaining leave of absence. I dare flatter myself, that I
shall be considered as a soldier on furlough, who most heartily wants to
join again his colours, and his most esteemed and beloved fellow
soldiers. Should it be thought I can be any way useful to America,
when I shall find myself among my countrymen, I hope I shall always
be considered as one most interested in the welfare of these United
States, and one who has the most perfect affection, regard and
confidence for their representatives. With the highest regard, &c.
LAFAYETTE."
"_In Congress, Oct_. 21. 1778.
"Resolved, That the Marquis Lafayette, Major General in the services
of the United States, have leave to go to France; and that he return at
such time as shall be most convenient to him,--Resolved, That the
President write a letter to the Marquis Lafayette, returning him the
thanks of Congress for that disinterested zeal which led him to America,
and for the services he hath rendered to the United States, by the
exertion of his courage and abilities on many signal occasions.
"Resolved, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America, at the Court of Versailles, be directed to cause an elegant
sword, with proper devices to be made and presented in the name of the
United States, to the Marquis Lafayette."
The foregoing resolves were communicated to the Marquis in the
following letter:
"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 24, 1778.
"SIR,
"I had the honor of presenting to Congress, your letter, soliciting leave
of absence: I am directed by them, to express their thanks for your zeal

in promoting that just cause in which they are engaged, and for the
disinterested services you have rendered to the United States of
America.
"In testimony of the high esteem and affection in which you are held by
the good people of these States, as well as an acknowledgment of your
gallantry and military talents displayed on many signal occasions, their
Representatives; in Congress assembled, have ordered an elegant sword
to be