my happiness; and that to visit a country to whose generous aid we stand so much indebted, would be an additional pleasure; but remember, my good friend, that I am unacquainted with your language, that I am too far advanced in years to acquire a knowledge of it, and that, to converse through the medium of an interpreter, upon common occasions, especially with the ladies, must appear so extremely awkward, insipid, and uncouth, that I can scarcely bear it in idea. I will, therefore, hold myself disengaged for the present; but when I see you in Virginia, we will talk of this matter, and fix our plans."

CHAPTER XIII.

Lafayette continues his efforts in behalf of America-Prohibited by Congress from asking the aid of land forces-On his own responsibility, solicits from the French ministers a naval armament, money, clothing, and a large body of auxiliary troops-His plan for the expe. dition-Urges immediate action-Sword from Congress, presented by Dr. Franklin-Description of it-Letter of Dr. Franklin-La. fayette's reply-Letters to Gen. Washington and President Laurens-Abandonment of the expedition against England-Summary of the campaign of 1779, in America-Renewed efforts of Lafayette -Finally successful-Plan of the expedition agreed upon-Stipulations honorable to the Americans-Lafayette's instructions from the French Government-Sails again for America.

THE favorite project of Lafayette, for an attack upon Canada having been abandoned, he did not permit the contemplated expedition against England to divert him from projects which he deemed more important to the cause of America. To these projects he now gave increased attention. The popular feeling in America was strong against the employing of foreign troops. The difficulties with the French troops at Rhode Island, were fresh in mind, and were calculated to increase those natural jealousies which existed. Lafayette had therefore been enjoined by Congress, not to ask the aid of land forces from his government. But, he foresaw that such aid would be needed; that it might arrive at a critical and an acceptable moment, and be decisive of the fate of America. He, therefore, with true greatness of soul and decision of character, took the responsibility of acting, and urged upon the French ministers, not only the propriety of sending a large naval armament, which should secure a decided naval superiority upon the American coast, with money, clothing, and munitions of

war for the army, but that these should be accompanied by a large body of auxiliary troops. To his repeated solicitations, they yielded by degrees. By request of Count de Vergennes, Lafayette submitted to him in writing, under date of July 18, his views for an expedition to America. This plan occupies a space equal to more than twelve pages of this work. The details are not essential to our purpose. They embraced a proposal for four thousand troops "well aware (he said) that a proposition on a large scale would not be acceded to." In the commencement he remarked:

"The state of America, and the new measures which the British appear to be adopting, render this expedition more than ever necessary. Deserted coasts, ruined ports, commerce checked, fortified posts whence expeditions are sent, all seem to call for our assistance, both by sea and land. The smallest effort made now, would have more effect on the people than a great diversion at a more distant period; but besides the gratitude of the Americans, and particularly of the oppressed states, a body of troops would insure us a great superiority on that continent. In short, sir, without entering into tedious details, you know that my opinions on this point have never varied, and my knowledge of this country convinces me, that such an expedition, if well conducted, would not only succeed in America, but would be of very essential service to our own country,"

In conclusion, he said:

"For my own part, you know my sentiments, and you will never doubt that my first interest is to serve my country. I hope, for the sake of the public good, that you will send troops to America. I shall be considered too young, I presume, to take the command, but I shall surely be employed. If, in the arrangement of this plan, any one, to whom my sentiments are less known than to yourself, in proposing for me either the command or some inferior commission, should assign as a reason, that I should thereby be induced to serve my country with more zeal either in council or in action, I take the liberty (putting aside the minister of the king) to request M. de Vergennes to come forward as my friend, and to refuse, in my name, favors bestowed from motives so inconsistent with my character."

This communication made a favorable impression, and was destined to lead to important results. The expedition to England, however, not being yet abandoned, the French cabinet was inclined to postpone further operations in America, until another season. Lafayette was for immedi. ate action, although upon a moderate scale. In reply to a letter of Count de Vergennes, relative to the plan he had submitted, (Havre, 30th July,) Lafayette said: "Being convinced that there is no time to lose in adopting the

measures which I propose, my love for my country makes me feel an impatience, which I fear may pass for importunity; but you will excuse a fault arising from a feeling which is dear to every good citizen.” * * * "You are certainly right in saying, my blood is in fermentation.” * * * "You know, I hope, that any arrangement and any station will satisfy me, and that I do not claim promotion, or assistance, or any mark of favor whatsoever. If M. D'Orvilliers, or a detachment, is now in the independent states of America, and my presence there can be in any way more serviceable than here, I shall be very willing to go over in an American frigate, which I will take on my own authority; and with the very natural pretext of rejoining the army in which I served, I will go and endeavor to use my influence for the advantage of my country."

In case the project of combined operations with a squadron and land forces, should not be adopted that year, for want of means, Lafayette proposed that two or three thousand men, with three hundred dragoons, should be sent to Boston, to act in the mean time with the American army, and to be joined in the spring by ships of war and a re-enforcement of troops. He added:

“You have told me to give you all my ideas. It is my duty to submit to you this last one, which, as it seems to me, is not liable to any objection. At first I was afraid of expressing my opinion so strongly as I was inclined to do, lest I should be suspected of peculiar motives and predilections; but now that people must know me better, and that you have my entire confidence, I speak more freely, and I solemnly affirm, upon my honor, that if half my fortune was spent in sending succors of troops to the Americans, I should believe that, in so doing, I rendered to my country a service more important than this sacrifice."

The sword, which Congress had directed Dr. Franklin to procure and present to Lafayette, was now prepared. It was appropriately devised and splendidly executed, by the best artists. The knob of the handle exhibited on one side a shield, with Lafayette's arms, a marquis's coronet, surmounted by a streamer, on which his motto, cur non, was inscribed. On the other side was a medallion, representing the first quarter of the moon, whose rays were shed over the sea, and the land of the American continent, which is seen in the horizon. In the foreground, was the coast of France, surrounded by a scroll, on which was inscribed the words crescam ut prosim-in reference to the rising liberty and

In the centre of the

subsequent prospects of America. handle on each side, were two oblong medallions. The first represented Lafayette with his sword drawn, and his foot upon the prostrate British lion, in the attitude of inflicting upon it a mortal wound, but pausing, extending his hand, and seeming inclined to spare the life of his victim. On the other medallion, America was represented under the device of a young half clad female, seated beneath a military tent, with one hand holding up her broken fetters, and with the other presenting a laurel branch to Lafayette. Other devices, of arms, laurel crowns, &c. encircled the handle, and on one side of the guard. On the other, were the words, “From the American Congress to Marquis de Lafayette, 1779." On the curved parts of the guard were represented in medallions, four memorable events of the American war, in which Lafayette acted a distinguished part.-1. The Battle of Gloucester. 2. Retreat of Barren Hill. 3. Battle of Monmouth. 4. Retreat of Rhode Island. Fac-similes of these views are given in those portions of this work where the events to which they relate are respectively recorded.

Lafayette being still at Havre, Dr. Franklin forwarded the sword to him, with the following letter:

66

Passy, 24th August, 1779. "Sir,-The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the United States, but unable adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a sword, as a small mark of their grateful acknowledgment: they directed it to be ornamented with suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of the war, in which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and conduct, are therefore represented upon it. These, with a few emblematic figures, all admirably well executed, make its principal value. By the help of the exquisite artists of France, I find it easy to express everything but the sense we have of your worth, and our obligations to you for this, figures, and even words, are found insufficient; I, therefore, only add that, with the most perfect esteem, I have the honor to be. B. FRANKLIN.

“P. S. My grandson goes to Havre with the sword, and will have the honor of presenting it to you."

Lafayette replied; as follows:

“Havre, 29th August, 1779. "Sir,-Whatever expectation might have been raised from the sense of past favors, the goodness of the United States to me has ever been such, that on every occasion it far surpasses any idea I could have conceived. A new proof of that flattering truth I find in the noble present, which Congress has been pleased to honor me with, and which

is offered in such a manner by your excellency as will exceed everything, but the feelings of an unbounded gratitude.

"In some of the devices I cannot help finding too honorable a reward for those slight services which, in concert with my fellow soldiers, and under the god-like American hero's orders, I had the good fortune to render. The sight of those actions, where I was a witness of American bravery and patriotic spirit, I shall ever enjoy with that pleasure which becomes a heart glowing with love for the nation, and the most ardent zeal for its glory and happiness. Assurances of gratitude, which I beg leave to present to your excellency, are much too inadequate to my feelings, and nothing but such sentiments can prop. perly acknowledge your kindness towards me. The polite manner in which Mr. Franklin was pleased to deliver that inestimable sword, lays me under great obligations to him, and demands my particular thanks.

"With the most perfect respect, I have the honor to be, &c."

On the 7th of October, from Havre, Lafayette wrote again to Gen. Washington and President Laurens. In these letters was shadowed forth the failure of the so long talked of expedition to England. His letter to Gen. Washington was couched in the same confidential and affectionate language which distinguish their mutual correspondence. He speaks to him of public affairs, the projected expedition, and expresses an ardent desire of again serving under his belov ed general, in the armies of America.

"From an American newspaper (he adds) I find that a certain English intelligence had been propagated through the United States, that at the head of fifteen hundred officers or non commissioned officers, I was going to embark for America, and that, with soldiers of your army embodied under them, I wanted to teach military discipline throughout the American army. However remote I am from thinking of teaching my own masters, and however distant from such views was that com. mand in France, whose end you very well know, I could not help taking it as a reflection on the American army. The English troops may remember that on some particular occasions I have not had to lament the want of discipline and spirit in the troops which I had the honor to command. Whilst we have but the same British army to fight with, we need not be looking out for any other improvement than the same qualities which have often enabled my fellow American soldiers to give, instead of receiving, pretty good lessons to an enemy, whose justly reputed courage added a new reputation to Ameri. can bravery and military conduct.

"The above article, my dear general, I beg you will have printed in the several newspapers."

The dilatory movements of Spain, the dispersion of the combined fleets, when off the coast of England, by a storm, and the loss of five thousand men by an epedemic, with