The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1915-03-11

ter Of St. Matthews.
Much has been recorded of those
who, through noble patriotism and
unwavering devotion, heroically gave
themselves to the cause of liberty;
but when we consider their various
claims to our respect and admira-
ton, does not the character of gal
liant Lafayette stand among the
highest?
In 1777 the victorious enemy was
pressing hard upon our feeble ranks.
1t was the gloomiest period of the
Revolutionary struggle. Our fathers
were in the depths of dependency,
for it seemed as though the last hope
of freedom must fade even in the
hearts of the most cheerful and brave.
. 1t was Just at this, critical period
that Lafayette, French nobleman,
of immense wealth and unbounded
generosity, came to offer his life and
his wealth to assist the sacred cause
, of liberty.
This enthusiastic young nobleman
was of a high rank; married to
beautiful and accomplished woman
and accustomed to the luxuries of
his native court. Yet he willingly
left all these for the hardships and
dangers of the American war. He
had heard at a dinner party given by
the French officials in honor of the
duke of Gloucester the story of the
American Revolution, and its cause.
His generous heart at once respond
ed in sympathy for the American
people. His natural love Of liberty,
his dislike for the ceremonials of the
court, his dream of accomplishing
something that would make the world
happier and better; above all, his
desire for freedom-all these COM
bined to urge him into immediate &C
ton. Although his own court threw
every obstacle in the way, his ardor
was not dampened; and disregard
ing the jeers Of some and caution OF
others, he determined to fit out
vessel at his own expense.
The French government disapprov-
ed of his mission and sought by va
rious means to prevent his departure;
but he succeeded in escaping their
vigilance, accompanied by the Baron
de Kalb and several others. Soon
his ship, the proud little Victory.
was on her way. bringing that much
needed aid to our war worn and al
most despairing soldiers.
Many days elapsed before the Vic
tory was driven into Georgetown bay,
on the evening of June 13, 1777. The
first night on American soil was spent
at the old Southern mansion of Maj.
Huger, where Lafayette and his COM
panions received a most cordial and
enthusiastic welcome. The next day
the party went out on horseback to
Charleston, and from there by coach
to Philadelphia to visit the Amerl-
can congress. But foreign volun-
.teers were so many and so persistent
that congress had grown bit weary
Of the assumption and demands OF
adyenturers, so Lafayette's services
as an officer were declined. He then
Immediately offered to serve without
pay and as a volunteer.
It was a moment when all things
combined to darken the prospect OF
success; when Burgoyne was march
ing from Canada for the invasion OF
New York and the capture OF the
Hudson; when Howe was threatening
Philadelphia and preparing to join
Burgoyne and stamp out the rebel
lion-it was at this time that La
fayette Joined our army. His timely
assistance did much to cheer and
rouse our dispirited troops. IN
sheathing his sword upon the field OF
Brandywine, he first encountered the
British-his hereditary foes.
He was but 19 when thus found
fighting side by side with the vet
eran soldier of Bunker Hill and al
though but youth he was soon TAX
en- into the affections and confidence
of Washington. Lafayette was soon
afterwards given the rank and COM
mission of major general.
On November % he disclosed the
British position near the town OF
Gloucester, and with a force of $50
men completely routed the Hessian
advance-an additional proof of his
bravery and wisdom as a leader OF
American troops. A major general
not only in actual but active COM