The daily morning journal and courier., 1900-05-03

an Offlcer Tn the King lrlSn feSiHen had been permitted to join the British
 forces, and challenged them to show treason why other officers should not bf allowed to join the Americans These lappeals were unsuccessful, and the com munications to him from his govern ment were accompanied by threats. Ht
 was ordered to retire at once to Mar seilles. Escaping under the guise of servant, he rejoined his ship and in 1l7I set sail for America.
 After tedious voyage of seven weeks accompanied by De Kalb and ten other officers of different ranks, his ship ap- preached the coast of South Carolina
 and landed near Georgetown, whence they were conveyed to Charleston. He immediately began his journey of nine
 hundred miles on horseback to Philadel- phia, where congress was then in ses-
 sion.
 | Arriving at critical juncture in af-
 fairs, just after Washington had crossed the Delaware and occupied German l town, he placed his letters in the hands
 of the congressional committee of for egn affairs. So numerous had been the
 applications from foreigners that his re-
 ceived no special attention, and he de-
 cided to make a personal effort, which | was accompanied by an emphatic note | to congress, closing as follows: After | the sacrifices have made l have a right to exact two favors-one to serve as a volunteer, the other to serve at my own expense"
 Recognizing his zeal which demanded neither pay nor indemnity, congress re- solved that his services be accepted, and conferred upon him the commission of major-general in the army of the United States This title was acquired before he was twenty years of age. Con-
 gress, however, failed to assign him any definite command.
 The great Washington was now ex-
 pected at Philadelphia, and Lafayette
 awaited his arrival. Upon meeting the
 young Frenchman, Washington, very
 much impressed with his modest ap-
 pearance and ardent zeal invited him
 to his headquarters in the army From
 this time a friendship of the most inti-
 mate and enduring character was de-
 veloped. Studying the Notifications and conditions of the army, Lafayette soon endeared himself to all his associ- ates.
 The battle of Brandywine was ap- preaching. Lafayette, realizing the dan ger of the day, remained near Washing ton, and asked leave to volunteer his services to General Sullivan, which was granted. Galloping across the field, he dismounted and joined the ranks, in- spring confidence and enthusiasm Here he received his first wound, but continued his exertions until reinforce ments arrived, barely escaping capture by the enemy
 Recovering from his wound after some months, he returned to camp. al- though still unable to wear boot. again entered an engagement and suc- cessfully led small body of men with a distinction that attracted the atten- tion of congress, which immediately as- signed him a command in accordance with his rank Soon after, his sincere attachment to Washington was demon strated when an intrigue. was in prog ress under General Gates to undermine the influence and destroy the power of the commander-in chief
 His services In the Canadian expedi- ton and at Saratoga, Ticonderoga, and later at Valley Forge, Monmouth, Bar ren Hill and the defense of Virginia, are records of. history too familiar to be here. Although leaving France under official protest to assist in the cause of American freedom, his person al character and official achievements not only commanded the love, esteem, honor and admiration of the American people, but attracted such attention in his own country that the French as a nation developed a sentiment in favor of the struggling colonies. Prominent and influential papers began to openly advocate their cause and applaud the heroic conduct of Lafayette. Brave old | soldiers and young cavaliers were eager to follow his example. Popular feeling | set in strongly in favor of America, as- sisted and encouraged by the ministry 1f Benjamin Franklin, then the ambas- sador from America to France.
 A spirited correspondence from La fayette, filled with loyal and friendly | sentiment, resulted in a treaty recogniz- ng the independence of the United | States at the Court of France. On re- ,eiving letters from his government an- this alliance he embraced | Washington, and with deepest emotion exclaimed: "The king, my master, has acknowledged your independence and ormed an alliance with you to secure lnd establish il"
 Joy was universal and loudly ex- pressed. Brigades were assembled, pa riotic discourses were delivered and the utline of the compact was read. Chap aims offered devout thanksgiving, which was followed by a running fire If infantry, and from right to left the ,ntire army shouted, Long live the ting of France; honor to Lafayette"
 The campaign of '78opened with con- idence A vote of thanks from con- .ress was rendered to Lafayette for his prudence and skill as general and a liplomat.
 In the fall. leave was granted him to eturn to France, with most flatterfng etter, in which he is referred to as the idol of congress, the army, and the ,eople of America. Loaded with testi- nonials expressing the gratitude of the ation, he returned to the French court although compelled two years before to teal away from his native land like a ugitive, he now returns to 1t clothed ; yith the highest office of the Revolu- , ionary army, laden with the honors ; nd praises of a grateful people, and l with enthusiasm and triumph , y his countrymen. Received at court with every mark of (