American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-03-05
From the National Gaxstte.
THE MARQUIS DE LA FAyFrTp

priating ship of the line to convey the Mary Tppo
la fayette to this country is honorable TO ,be y;
must be gratifying TO this nation America 80 ''u
much to this illustrious nobleman and amiabo a
soldier OF liberty: his name is cherished in The r..
OF Americans and brief and hssty sketch ~ :.
character and actions may not be unaccep,abl. =,
-lpresent moment. Ms
I M. P !. r. Y. C. Motier, MARQUIS de !, =.
Iyette, was born in Auvergne in France in l75- -,
is descended from an ancient family. He was s dT'
Gated in the college Of Louis e Grand, a, pars ~,
received commission at early age in the Mm"
quetaries soon after which he married la, y,
the noble family of Noailies. Nursed in the 2 " =.
ease and luxury, surrounded by every tbing H.,
'lcould endear him 10 home, he formed an ba. .1a
resolution, requiring The REIMBURSEMENT Of all ,lo
ties and comforts, and which proving successr,,f'
Established his character in history as a hero ~
crowned him with glorious honors. '"4
\ In 20, when our cause was considered tbrcvcl
out Europe as hopeless and found not sinols o.
Ivocate and when in fact our situation was 81. W.
desperate, main army being reduced IN sro,n
number, (not $1,000, tattered and destitute. nursnss
by $4,000 regulars, this generous hero esponssS
cur cause with an ardour and spirit bordering ~
romantic enthusiasm, and which by the lukew,ru
and self calculating, no doubt was termed madnrs.
and youthful folly. 'N"'''
the prospect oil forfeiture Of his title and es,as
and the positive orders to intercept him. he eE.s
ed, secretly, his departure in vessel purchased and
lifted out at his own expense AT the early ara n
nineteen, bidding adeu to his interesting YOUNG wifi.
and numerous connexions, he embarked, and arrived
safe al Charleston. In June '76, he entered the A.
merican army as volunteer without compen,a,;on
and commenced his active and honorable carssr
Immediately on his arrival, he was so much pleased
with the recent gallant conduct of the American,
that he presented to general Moul,rie, clobinc
arms and accoutrements for 100 soldiers and Al
subsequent period having the command Of an el4.
giant select corps of 1900 infantry, formed and ,l,.
clpined by himself, he presented each officer with
handsome sword, and clothed the men at his own
expense. When part OF the army marching to ioin
Zen Gfeene 10 the south, was retarded by the total
want OF supplies, the soldiers without shoes and u
most naked, this generous noble hearted man, cam,
forward and expended 10000 dollars in these ar
ucles, by which timely supply they were enabled /,
proceed and meet the enemy. He Joined the army
without any high demands as to rank, and with ,be
express condition that he would receive no paw II,
entered at FIRST in General Washngtons family, wa,
cherished aud beloved by this great man, and cale!
his adopted SON.
In July ~, at twenty years OF age, he received
rom Congress the commission of Major General
IN the following words--".W The AIarouisde
Ia tayette out oil his great zeal to the cause Of liberty
. which the " States are engaged, has left his fam.
ny and connexions, and at his own expense come
over, to offer his services without pension or par.
Mar allowance, and is anxious to risk his life in our
cause feS0red, that his services be accepted and
n consideration of his zeal, illustrous family and
connexions, he have the rank and commission Of
Major General in the Army OF the United States"
A lew mOntl9 alter this L., ~
MS gallantry and zeal in the battle of Brandywine,
where ne shed his first blood in that cause which he
lad esPoused with so mach chivafric ardour.
In 70 at rren-hil, by well timed and master
y retreat, as termed by Washington, he eluded the
;nemy, and Saved his army from the insidous at
ack OF Gen. Grey He was actively engaged du-
ing The whole OF the war. His influence his for
une, his blood were devoted to the service Of this
country.
lie seized the opportunity Of an inactive winter
ampalgn TO visit his own land exerting, successful
" ms influence at the Court of Louis, and returned
SIX months with large reinlOrcements
In "a, when about to leave this country, com
hltee OF Congress consisting of one member from
acn o'ate' was appointed to wait upon him with
ullaole address: the concluding part of his reply
vas" May this immense temple of Freedom ever
'and as Lesson to oppressors, an example for the
oppressed, sanctuary for the rights OF mankind;
no. may these happy United States attain that COM
ie'e splendor and prosperity which will illustrate
ne blessings OF their government, and for ages to
ONE, relolce the departed souls of its founders.
'eVer can Congress oblige me so much as when
ney put 1t IN my power, in every part of the world,
lhe latest day ofmy life, to crafty the attachment
'hich VIII ever rank me among the most jealous
no respectful servants of the United States.''
IN ~ he took an active part in the French reyo.
i'lon, espousIng the cause of liberty, but at the
anne time endeavoring to protect the royal family
ON injury though not afavorite with the unfor
mate queen OF France, his exertions in her favor
ere uhceasng. At the destruction of the Base,
,a' celebrated engine of tyrannical power, he was
and the key Of this building was after
aus seNt oy MN as present to General Wash.