The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1824-08-04
GEN. La FAYErrit.


The following brief sketch o! the frst
movements efihat general ibJavor of ,hs'
independence Of this couDiiy, is derived
from gentleman now residing ~ Bait
more, who was one OF his early compa--
Mons, apd came over with himSin ~, tU
engage in the American cause.
Baltimore american.
Shortly after tie American revolutions
occurred gen. La Fayel,e determined on
serving the cause OF liberty. Mr.. Siias
Deane, the American agent at Paris, held
out very flauering expectations, but was
put off from time TO time, by the French
government. This continued for more
than one year, when gen. La Fayette re.
solved 10 come to this country al his own
expense. He accordingly caused ship
to be purchased in Bordeaux, called "I.A
BoNsE MERE" and had her provided
with stores and ammunition and other
Decessaries, all at his own expense. He
left Paris for Bordeacs about the close of
March, TT, and sailed from Bordeaux
for America in the beginning of April
following. Al this time he was about I9
years u age, and was married to Miss
Noailie, by whom ne then had dauch-
ter--boih are since dead. He embarked
with about Is other officers, who accord
ing 10 an agreement entered into by Mr..
Deane with them at Paris, were to be
promoted one rank higher than the one
they held in the French army General
La Fayelte was to serve as Major Gene
raj. When On the eve Of sailing, he re.
ceived Information that the French gov
eminent had given orders to stop the
ship, which intelligence caused him tn
sail in great haste. The ship arrived in
where general La Fsyette landed with
the other officers. Their services, as Of
hcers, were not accepted as agreed TO in
Paris, and the general made one or two
campaigns as a volunteer.
Gen. LA Fayeite was wounded at tho
battle OF Brsndywine, having been shot
through the calf of one of his legs and
on that occasion observed 10 a friend,
while lying i'll of his wound al Phladel>
phia, that j, was family inheritance. Ee
is to be observed that gen. La Fayette be-
longs to family of high military rank in
france, several Of whom have been
MarshaIls and have been wounded or
killed on the field of battle. Shortly af-
ter, the congress of the United States
confirmed him in The rank of Major
General.
The more important services rendered
by gen. La Fayette are not generally
known. Soon after he became intimate
with gen. Washington. he suggested
that he could assist the United States
much more by his influence in Europe
than with his sword in America. Accord.
ingy he went back TO France and made
such favorable report of the cause of the
United States 10 the government, tina,
with the influence Of his family, and that
OF the duke OF Noailles, who were yery
powerful at courD he determined the
French cabinet, openly to assist the cause
OF independence in America-and in con-,
sequence, fleets and an army were sent
to our assistance. He returned to the
United States and was peculiarly useful
not only as an officer, but as mediator
between the American and French. -
Quibbles and disputes would often occur
between the commanders and threaten
the most serious consequences which
gen. Washington, assisted by gen. La
Fayette, would always succeed in ap.
peasing.
The sums paid by gen. La Fayette in
aiding the cause of the independence of
The United States, and relieving the wants
OF the American army, were very con.
siderable, and for these it is believed he
has never set up a claim.