Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-08-07

Marquis La Fayette. "A rumour has
BEN afloat for some time past, we know
not on what authority, or what degree
of credit it is entitled to, that the Marquis
de Ia Fayette, intends to honour this
country by visit. II is unnoces safy.
we presume, to say with what hospitable
hearts this illustrious stranger will be
welcomed to our shores. lie benes
factor to America, revolutionary be-
nefactor The name ofFayette, is a.
mongst us familiar TO the smiling lip Of
inarticulate infancy our children are
taught to lisp his name with reverence,
and to mingle with II the mostendearing
emotions. lie was the confederate, nav.
more, the tried, personal friend of WASH
ington, and it is not necessary to say
more than this, to endear him to the
heart: of Americans. At the early age
of nineteen, did this gallant nobleman
espouse the cause of American freedom.
He purchased and fitted out vessel al
his own expense, to transport him to
America taking leave of his wife, his
family and his friends he petitoned
that he might be allowed to serve in the
American ranks without pay or emolu.
ment, and Congress to shew their sense
OF his services, conferred on him the
rank of Major Gencral.--In January,
ITO, the Marquis embarked at Boston
for his native land, and returned in 1880.
He was then put at the head of select
corps, to every officer Of which he pre-
| sented sword at his own expense, and
to the soldiers, uniforms With this gall
| liant band, he marched into Virginia to
check the ravages of the traitor Arnold.
and when they were destitute Of shoes
and cloathing, he borrowed from the
merchants of Baltimore, two thousand
g,iineas on his own credit, with which he
purchased shoes and other necessaries
for his troops. lie was employed to
watch the motions OF CORVALLIS : wav
present and distinguished himself at the
seige of York Town, and carried by as
sault a British redoubt, on the right of
the American lines. Congress declared
"that Major General, the Marquis Fay
cite, be informed, that on review ofhi,
conduct throughout the campaign, and
particularly during the period in which
he had the chief command in Virginias
the many proofs ofthe jealous attach.
ment to the cause he has espoused, and
of his judgment, vigilence, gallantry and
address in its defence, have greatly adj
ded to the high opinion entertained by
congress, ofhis merits and military tai
lents."- When he was about 10 take his
final departure, acommittee was appoin-
ted by congress, consisting Of one meme
Der from every state, to express the re-
gard and esteem Of that body. Nows
does il not seem as il the United States
have claim upon this exalted foreign-
er, whose name has become so dear to-
us that the president of the United States.
should invite his old confederate in arms.
to spend the remainder of his DAYS in the
bosom of that republic, whose indepen-,
dence he had she'd his blood to maintains
He was wounded in our service, the scar
of which yet remains visible. Are We
too Jealous, ifw urge the propriety Of
employing national vessel in the SER
vice ? let us shew that republicans are
not ungratetul--les the star spangied
banner as it floats, on the waters of the
| Seine, wave a welcome to the hoary'
headed patriot, to come and spend the re-
/ mainder of his days in that land of liber-
/ ty, whose right and title TO these regions
OF the west, he defended with his blooa
Rsliisasrs JNsrr. Ckrog.