The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1844-10-09
THE WIFE OF %LAFAYETTE.
Bx F. II. DAvIDeE.

At the beginning of the French Revolution,
we behold Lafayette standig forth, TIE foremost
advocate of curtailment oil royal prerogatlve,
and the restoration Of their rights TO the French
people, When, in the sanctuary of popular ex-
citement, at a subsequent period, an attempt
was made by the Pfussians to sacrifice the un-
fortunate Louis X.at Versailles, together with
his interesting family, we behold our hero, as the
commander ofthe National Guards, jeopardlzing
his life for their preservation, and s~natching them
ftom almost inevitable destruction. The advo-
cate of rational liberty, he was on all occasions
the stern opposer of the excuses Of anarchy
lie could nor, either as a loyal Frenchman OF as
a republican, sanction the appalling scenes of
.bloodshed by which the latter period of the
French Revolution was disgraced, III conse-
'quence Of which, at aiaier period, We see him
an exile from The country he would have died 10
save. Beng thrown by the chances of fortune
within The grasp Of despotic sway, he became
the victim OF its jealousy, and was made, during
five long years, for the greater portion of which
he was cut off tiom all communication with those
who were nearest and dearest TO his affections,
10 endure the tortures of Imprisonment.
1t was during this unhappy period, that the
companion of his life, the chosen one of his
young affections, manifested such heroic devo-
ton to her prosecuted husband. She, together
with her two daughters, at the tender ages of
l3 aud Is, had been confined in the loathsome
apartment of Il Partisan prison, where, entirely
ignorant of the fate which had befalen the hus-
band and father, they suffered for a long time
he most painful privations. So soon as they
had regained their liberties, their first OBJ
ject was 10 gather tidngs respecting a friend
so dear to them, and having ascertalned that be
was still lying III the dungeons OF Olmuiz, this
devoted, exemplary wife, under an assumed
name, proceeded 10 procure an audience with
the Emperor of Austria. From this monarch
she Obtained, not her husbands liberation,
which was refused 10 her entreaties, but the mel.
~ancholy privilege of being, together with hel
daughters, imprisoned with him. She then pro.
coed 10 Olmutz, where she remained with the
beloved partner of her affections, soothing his
sorrow and beguiling his su%fierings until the ter
mination of his captivity. which took place about
two years afterwards. 1t was also during thi;
melancholy potion Of Lafayette's life, that GU
gallant countryman, IIuger, Of Charleston, II
company with Bollnan, a German, attempted
unsuccessfully, TO lberate him, and acquired t
themselves immortal honor, Intercessjons hRC
been made in favor of The noble prisoner, from
various powerful quarters, and among the rest
the government Of this country but all withou
avail, until the young conqueIo' Of Italy made
his liberation q condition OF his signing a treaty
at that time on foot, AID the obtention Of whicI
was very desirable to the powers by whose sane
ton he was imprisoned, and thus gladdened the
hearts Of thousands who had synpathized in hi
sufferilus.