Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-06-23

RIGA, which of course they would be
supposed to have authorised, might
discover to the English their views,
which they still wished to conceal,
formally commanded us to give up our
intentions. Our relations, who hither-
to had known nothing of it, took the a.
larm, and reproached US in the strong
est terms for our adventurous folly. |
was particularly struck with the sur
prise it produced in the family OF La
fayette. 1t was more amusing to me,
as it showed me how entirely his grand
parents had hitherto mistaken his
character. Lafayette had always, and
particularly when young, a grave and
cold demeanor, which gave him false
impression of embarrassment and IL
mildly. This cold exterior, and de-
liberate manner of speaking, formed a
singular contrast with the petulance,
the frivolity and brilliant loquacity OF
persons of his age. But this UMPIRE
tending exterior concealed mind the
most active, character the most hrm,
and a soul the most ardent.
81 had better means of knowing him
than any other person-for the winter
before, being in love with a young la
DIV, as remarkable for the sweetness OF
her disposition as her beauty, he had
suspected me, without the least rea,
son, Of being his rival, and in spite OF
our friendship, had spent almost the
whole night at my lodgings, in trying
to induce me to dispute with him,
sword in hand, the heart ofa beauty to
whom had not the slightest preten-
sions.
GA few days after our quarrel and re-
Cancellation, l could not help laughing
to hear the Marshal de Noailles, and
others of his family, beg me to use my
influence over him, in animating his
Indifference, arousing him from his In
dolence, and imparting a little fire to
his character. Imagine then their
surprise, on hearing, ola sudden, that
this young sage Of nineteen, so cold, SO
careless, led away by a passion for glo-
ry and for danger, was about to brave
the ocean, that he might join the strug-
gle in favor of American liberty.
"'rhe prohibition which had been is
sued against our undertaking this great
adventure, produced on us very differ
ent effects. The Viscount de Noailles
and | were thunderstruck, as it abso-
lutely deprived us of the liberty and
means of resistance; it tended, on the
contrary to stimulate Lafayette, who,
feeling that he possessed all the means
necessary for that purpose, resolved to
infringe it.
Gle, however, dissembled, and SEEM
ed at first to yield with US to the orders
of the Court. But two months after,
one morning about seven o'clock, he
entered my bed-chamber, shut the door
after him, and sitting down by the side
of my bed, said to mel am off for
America; nota soul knows it; butt have
too much regard for you to think OF go
ing without imparting nay secretto you.
But, said l, what steps have you taken
to secure your passage! He then told
me, that having, under plausible pre-
text, left France on a journey, he had
purchased vessel, which was to wait
for him in Spanish port, he had armed
her, provided good crew, and had on
board not only arms & ammunition, but
a considerable number of officers be-
sides, who had consented to share his
fortunes. Ihad no need of words to
express to my friend the chagrin l felt
that could not bear him company. He
felt it as sharply as myself, but we still
cherished the hope that war would
break out between England and France,
which would remove every obstacle to
our reunion. Lafayette, after having
impaired his intention also to the Wis
count de Noailles Immediately left Par
is. His departure caused the deepest
affection in his family, who saw him
not only about to run the greatest dan
gers of various kinds, but sacrificing
in the cause of so distant country, a
great part of his fortune. His wife a.
lone, though greatly afflicted, loved him
too much not to share his feelings, ana
approve his generous resolution.
"The Court, instantly informed OF
his disobedience, gave orders for his
arrest, which were carried into execu-
ton. Thus my unfortunate friend, at,
ter SO many sacrifices, found himself
deprived Of his liberty at the moment
when he was setting forward to defend
that of another hemisphere.
"Happily, a few days after, having
eluded the vigilance of his keepers, he
ESCAPED, crossed the Pyrennees, and
found on the coast of Spain his vessel
as we'll as his companions in arms, who
had already despaired Of his appear
ance. He set sail arrived without &C
.;l.n, in rnerica and received there