Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-10-17
From the National Intellig,ncor.l
o N E H U NDRED YEARS AGO
-LAFAY YETTE.

One hundred years ago, Sunday. at Cavais-
nae, IN Auvergne, France came into the "brcath-
ing world an infant whose future career was
destined for fame and Immortality through the
medium OF yicissitudes which stand upon the
historic page unparalleled and alone child
whose "liper manhood" was characterized by
greaneSs-greatness OF mind, of valor, and Of
virtue.
1t is but meet that on this centennial anniyer-
sary ot the birth of GILBERT MOTHER LAFAY-
ETTE, we should take retrospect of the life and
besow passing tribute Of homage to the mem
ory OF him to whose liberaity the people of the
United States are SO much indebted for the bless
lngs OF Republican Government and a poih-
[ cal existence.
The occurrences which chcquered the life of
Lafayette were extraordinary. His early edu.
cation was acquired amid the extravagant preiu-
dlces of the most splendid aristocacy that ever
swayed the destinies Of France, and his Youth
lnl theory that the science of heradry was the
noblest acquisition which could adorn the human
intellect. The proximity to royalty and of mil
itary rank in the guards of honor paled in their
splendor when compared by him with the sub
lime spectacle of few bu, hardy and determin-
ed people who in the western hemisphere, had
arrayed themselves in arms 10 resist the exac.
tons and repel the encroachments of despolism
! q.
with the possession OF titled honors ana the pref.
erences OF hereditary privileges Its true drec-
ton was IN the channel of an exalted benevo-
lence It's sphere OF action was the broad arena
OF universal liberty.
In the midst of the struggle Of America with
the parent Government, LAFAYETTE, then little
more Than nineteen years of age, influenced by
an enthusiastic love of freedom, consecrated him
selt and his possessions to the hallowed cause of
the Thirteen United Colonies: sacrificing in their
hall The enjoyment and Iepose of domestic life
to brave the dangers OF the battlefield in a land
ol strangers. lie left his native land in opposi-
ton to the inclinations of his family. and with
the condemnation OF the European Courts
Evadng pursuit which the English Ambassa-
dor had compelled the Government of France
to institute for his arrest and return, he arrived
al Charleston, South Carolina, on the 25th day
of April 1873.
Ills coming infused new and vigorous hope
into The ranks of the patriot army, for il evincei
to them that in the Old World their cause was
favoIably regarded. and that il had jealous SYM
paIhlsers and supporters even in the atmosphere
of despolism Lafayette Immediately commenc-
ed his exerlions in that behalf for which he had
come. Declining a commission of high grade in
the army, he clothed and equipped body of
men at his own expense, and entered the service
as volunteer, without recompense or even the
prospect Of future emoument lie became the
bosom fread of Washington, and by his daring
actions and self-sacrifcing conduct won the ad-
miralon and esteem of our fellow-countrymen !;
and throug III the influence Of his family, induced
the Cabinet of Versailles to rcrognize and sup
port the independence Of the Colonies.
In July, l777, he received, by vote of Congress,
an appointment of Major General in the army,
and in September following was wounded at the
battle OF Brandywine. In November, l777, he
distinguished himself in an attack upon the Bri-
fish at Gloucester Point and in May, 1878,
made mastery retreat from Barren Hill, which
was the consequence of sortie from Valley
Forge, designed to check the ravages of the Bri-
tlsh dctachments then laying waste the country
about Philadelphia, and to harrass the troops in
the event of their evacuating the town, which it
was supposed the British commander intended to
do, At the Battle of Monmouth Lafayette COM
manded one wing of the army with signal brav-
cry and advantage. In the month of August,
1878, in conjunction with Gen. Sullivan, he Sc
cured the removal of the army from Rhode Is
land upon the success of which achievment.
more than any other, it is presumed, the fate of
the Colonies then depended.
In 1873, Congress deeming that he could rem
der some efficient service to the Colonies by
visit to France, he sailed from Boston in the
month OF January and, after arriving in his ma
fiye country, by his personal exertions rendered
effective treaty with France, which was pro