THE life of the General Marquis de La Fayette is intimately connected with the two most important epochs in the history of both France and America. His name binds together these nations by indissoluble bonds of sympathy; and Washington and La Fayette will forever be found side by side in the annals of history. As a large portion of the material presented in this volume has been gathered from French works never before translated and which are now out of print, and also from original files of news

Liberty’s Knight— L’Homme des Deux Mondes —Ancestry of La Fayette—His Birth and Early Years—Youthful Enthusiasm—College Life—Introduction to the French Court—Vast Inheritance—A Page to the Queen—Member of the Mousquetaires du Roi —Promoted a Commissioned Officer—Personal Appearance—Early Marriage—His Wife’s Family—Stationed at Metz—News of the American Revolution—Influence on La Fayette—His Resolve—Opposition—Visit to London—Return to Paris—Secret Preparations—Sovereign Displeasure—Hasty Flight—

Arrival in America—Letter to his Wife from Charleston—La Fayette’s First Impressions of America—Letter from Petersburg—Arrival in Philadelphia—Chilling Reception by Congress—La Fayette’s Magnanimous Offer—Resolution passed by Congress—The First Meeting between Liberty’s Knight and the “Man of the Age”—Washington’s Kindly Reception of the Young Marquis—Letter from Franklin to Washington regarding La Fayette—Battle of Brandywine—La Fayette wounded—Letter to his Wife from Philadelphia—La Fayette in

Battle of Monmouth—General Lee’s Seeming Treachery—Washington on the Field—La Fayette’s Coolness in the Face of Danger—An Incident of the Battle—Arrival of the French Fleet—La Fayette’s Sagacity in Negotiations—Resolution of Congress commending him—Letter from the President of Congress—La Fayette’s Reply—La Fayette’s Letter to Washington—Washington’s Affectionate Answer—La Fayette solicits Leave of Absence to return to France—Washington’s Letter to Congress—La Fayette’s Letter to the President o

Preparations in France in Behalf of America—Peace Negotiations—La Fayette’s Unselfish Loyalty—His Diplomatic Measures at the Court of Spain—News of the Treaty of Peace in America—Washington’s Letter of Commendation to La Fayette—La Fayette’s Efforts in the Interests of American Commerce—Secures Exemption of Duties on Oil—Washington’s Invitation from Mount Vernon—La Fayette’s Return to America—Memorable Visit to Mount Vernon—Triumphal Reception of the Nation’s Guest—His Ovation at Boston—Congress

The French Revolution approaching—Ominous Signs—The Price of Bread—Causes back of the Famine—Influence of the American Revolution—Reckless Extravagance of the French Courts—Public Finances in a State of Chaotic Ruin—Maurepas, Turgot, de Clugny, Necker, and Calonne—Convocation of the Notables—La Fayette chosen a Member—The Direful Financial Chasm—The Notables confronted by the Dreadful Deficit—La Fayette upholds the People’s Rights—His Letter to Washington upon Public Affairs—Washington writes of

The King and Queen in Paris—La Fayette’s Letter to Washington—Presents him with the Key of the Bastile—The Constitution growing under the Hands of the Assembly—The Memorable 14th of July—Grand Festival of Federation in the Champ de Mars—Taking the Oath—Carlyle’s Description—La Fayette the Cynosure of All Eyes—He declines to accept Permanent Command—Farewell Words of the Deputies of the National Guard—Vacillating Paris and Vacillating Louis—La Fayette’s Letter to Washington—La Fayette’s Efforts i

Writings of Virginie La Fayette—Her Account of the Approach of the Revolution—Her Narrative of her Father’s Part in the Terrible Tragedy—Her Mother’s Anxieties—Dangers of the La Fayette Family—Arrest of Madame La Fayette—Her Heroic Courage—News of the Imprisonment of General La Fayette—Letter of Madame La Fayette to M. Roland—Madame La Fayette released on Parole—Her Letter to the King of Prussia—M. Roland secures Madame La Fayette’s Release from Parole—Madame La Fayette rearrested—Brave Conduct

Dreadful Scenes of the French Revolution—M. Carrichon’s Account of the Last Days of the Maréchale de Noailles, the Duchesse d’Ayen, and the Vicomtesse de Noailles—They are sent to the Luxembourg—Are taken before the Revolutionary Tribunal—Their Condemnation—Heroism of the Young Vicomtesse de Noailles—The Insulting Mob—The Protecting Thunder Storm—Their Last Prayers—Arrival at the Scaffold—Their Impressive Appearance—Their Unflinching Courage—Their Heavenly Resignation—The Last Farewell—Execution

La Fayette arrives at Witmold—Return of his Son from America—Madame La Fayette’s Journey to Paris—La Fayette’s Letter to her—His Letter to the Directory—Madame La Fayette appeals to Directeur Sieyès—18th Brumaire —La Fayette returns to France—His Letter to Napoleon announcing his Arrival—The Premier Consul is Displeased—Madame La Fayette’s Visit to Napoleon—Virginie describes her Mother’s Last Sickness and Death—La Fayette’s Love for his Wife—His Tender Letters narrating Touching Scenes at her D

La Fayette presented to the Premier Consul—His Interview with Napoleon—La Fayette declines the Office of Senator, and the Post of Ambassador to the United States—La Fayette meets Lord Cornwallis—Interview with Napoleon—La Fayette’s Fearless Loyalty to his Principles—La Fayette and Joseph Bonaparte—La Fayette refuses to vote for the Decree declaring Napoleon First Consul for Life—His Letter to Napoleon, explaining his Reasons—La Fayette’s Comments upon his Opposition to Bonaparte—Klopstock’s Dyin

La Fayette and his Son sail for America—Ruse of the French Police—La Fayette’s arrival in America—His Reception in New York—Meeting his Old Companions in Arms—Various Cities visited—Public Dinner at Westchester—Reception at Albany—Address of the Mayor—The General’s Reply—La Fayette received by Congress—Welcome by Mr. Clay—La Fayette’s Fitting Answer—An Incident—M. Levasseur recounts their Visit to Ex-President Monroe—La Fayette visits General Jackson—The Renowned Pistols—La Fayette’s Interesting

Interesting Ceremony at Washington—Letter to Liberator Bolivar—Bolivar’s Reply—Comments of the Niles Register upon the Departure of the Nation’s Guest—Description of the Farewell Ceremonies—Parting Address of President Adams—General La Fayette’s Impressive Reply—Parting Scenes—The General escorted to the Potomac—Military Review—La Fayette embarks on a Steamer—Parting Salute—The Fleet pauses at Mount Vernon—La Fayette’s Last View of Washington’s Tomb—La Fayette transferred to the Brandywine —Fare

Charles X.—La Fayette again elected to the Assembly—His Speech upon the Disposition of the Budget of 1826—The Public Debt—The Civil List—Capital Punishment—Trials by Jury—A Pressing Political Question—The Possible Position of France—Expedition into Spain—Freedom of Worship—Separation of Church and State—National Instruction—Internal Administration of France—Examination of the War Department—The French Navy—Banquet to General La Fayette by the Young Men of Auvergne—La Fayette’s Letter to the Son

The Revolution of 1830—Proclamation to the French People—From the Journal du Commerce , Paris—Proclamation of Louis Philippe—La Fayette’s Official Announcement to the Municipality of Paris—Order of the Day issued by General La Fayette—Details of the Revolution—Charles X. driven from the Throne—The Deputies, escorted by the National Guards, offer the Throne to the Duke of Orleans—The Duke’s Reply—He is made Citizen King—Changes in the Charter—La Fayette’s Speech in the Chamber—Letters by La Fayet

La Fayette’s Personal Appearance—His Health—His Sight—Expression of his Countenance—His Temperate Habits—His Dress—His Economy of Time—La Fayette’s Home at La Grange—The Estate—The Grounds—The Terraced Lawns—Brilliant Flowers—The Ivy planted by Charles Fox—The Château—La Fayette’s Apartments—Numerous Mementos and Curiosities—Cannon of the Revolution of 1830—A Famous Cockatoo—The Small Chapel—The Trophy of Flags—Memorable Paintings—Interesting Engravings—American Declaration of Independence—Farew