Lafayette

essful

red in the happiness of the young father. In fact, the affairs of the young hero interested everybody so much that there was indeed some danger that

udy, I examine, I listen, I reflect; and the result of all is the endeavor at forming an opinion into which I infuse as much common sense as possible.

astic, one who had had the courage to start out on this hazardous enterprise, should have combined with those qualities so cool and

put to a sharp test. This came about in two ways: first, in the stern ordeal of the wint

ed. At Valley Forge the men built a city of wooden huts, and these afforded at least a shelter from the storms, though they were scarcely better than dungeons. Their sufferings were terrible. They were inadequately clothed; many had neither coats,

my, for he wrote to his wife, "I cannot tell whether it will be convenient for General Howe to make us

and would soon have been echoed in France. Lafayette did not wish to shoulder the responsibility of the effect his withdrawal might have on the hopes of help from French sympathy and French resources, and on the determination of other recruits who might come over an

leaving France he thought that all good Americans were united in one mind, and that confidence in the commander in chief was universal and unbounded; he now believed that if Washington were lost to America, the Revolution would not survive six months. He found that there were open dissensions in Congress; that there were parties who

projects-a clever way to entice him into their schemes. Deceived for a time, he received their proffers of friendship and their flattering compliments, but when

erican cause, he impetuously started in to help. He sought an interview with Washington, but not finding a

wer. You will pardon my importunity in favor of the sentiment which dictated it. Youth and friendship m

shington wrote one of the most distinctive and characteristic o

ich I entertain sentiments of the purest affection. It will ever constitute part of my happiness to know that I stand well in your opinion because I am satisfied that

great a cause to receive the proofs of this young man's friendship and of his absolutel

et with nothing but sunshine. I have no doubt that everything happens for the best, that we shall triumph over all our misfortunes, and in the end be happy; when, my dear Marquis, if you will give me your company

l way the French influence in America, was fully appreciated, they hatched a scheme that should remove him from the side and from the influence of Washington. This scheme consisted of a project on pape

and the commission for this was inclosed to General Washington. He handed it to the major general, who had so lately jo

e any commission from Congress that would make him independent of Washington. He would serve only as a subordinate of the commander in chief, as one de

neral," a distinction that he valued more than that of Marquis, an

gton at Valley Forge. At a dinner given while Lafayette was there, the northern expedition and Lafayette's brilliant prospects were made themes of praise. But Lafayette missed one name from the list of toasts; at the end of the di

here were rivers deep and swift to cross; the roads were bad and the wintry storms made them worse

of letters," telling him that his family were very well and that they were keeping in loving remembrance the man w

cessary equipment had been kept; and the judgment of advisers who knew the difficulties of a northern excursion in the depth of win

cts. For one thing, he went up the Mohawk River to attend a large council of the Iroquois Indians. This was Lafayette's first official contact with the red men, and he at once manifested a friendship for them and an understanding of their nature t

ived from Congress a testimonial, saying that they entertained a high sense of his prudence, his activity, and his zeal, and they believed that nothing would have been wanting on his part, or on the part of the officers who accompanied him, to give the exped

d the permanence of the United States as a nation. To be sure, the war with England must

non was ordered; a thanksgiving sermon was preached; a fine dinner was served for the officers, and the table was made m

Henriette, of whom he had said that he hoped their relationship would be more that of friends than of parent and child. This happiness was not to be theirs. Lafayette now thought that he had never realized before what it meant to be so far away from his home. The