compelled to fly before the British commander, in the following language.

"In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of peril, la Fayette was collected and undismayed. With zeal, with courage, and with sagacity, he discharged his arduous duties; and throughout his difficult retreat, was never brought even to array but once in order for battle. Invigorating our councils by his precepts; dispelling our despondency by his example; and encouraging his troops to submit to their many privations, by the cheerfulness with which he participated in their wants; he imparted the energy of his own mind to the country, and infused his high-toned spirit into the army.'

Great encomiums were passed on the marquis for his humanity and goodness in visiting and administering to the relief of the wounded soldiers. Lord Cornwallis having received a reinforcement, was so confident of success against his young antagonist, that he imprudently said in a letter which was intercepted, "the boy cannot escape me." He planned the surprize of the marquis while on the same side of James' river with himself, but in this he was baffled by means of a spy, whom the marquis sent into the enemy's camp to obtain some necessary intelligence. A combination of talents and skill defeated all the energies of physical power. During the siege of lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, the marquis was among the most active and intrepid of the general officers, and he commanded a detachment of our light infantry, which successfully assaulted the British redoubt on the right of our lines. Previous to his departure from Yorktown, he issued his last order to his favorite corps of infantry, in which are contained the following expressions.

"In the moment the major general leaves this place, he wishes once more to express his gratitude to the brave corps of light infantry, who for nine months past, have been the companions of his fortunes. He will never forget that with them alone, of regular troops, he had the good fortune to manœuvre before an army which after all its reductions is still six times superior to the regular force he had at that time."

The marquis now perceiving that the mighty contest for American Independence, in which he had been so nobly engaged, was near its completion, was about to return with the well earned laurels on his brow, to his king and country. Congress resolved, November 23, 1781, "that major general the marquis La Fayette be informed, that on a review of his conduct throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the period when he had the chief command in Virginia, the many new proofs which present themselves of his zealous attachment to the cause he has espoused, and of his judgment, vigilance, gallantry and address in its defence, have greatly added to the high opinion entertained by Congress of his merit in military talents." During his military career in America, the marquis displayed that patriotism, integrity, humanity, and every other virtue which charac

terizes real greatness of soul. His manners being easy, affable and engaging, he was particularly endeared to the officers and soldiers under his command; they admired, loved, and revered him as their guide and support when in peril, and their warmest friend when in perplexity and trouble. The most affectionate attachment subsisted between him and the illustrious chief under whose banners it was his delight to serve, and whose language was, "this nobleman unites to all the military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgment."

His very soul burned with the spirit of enterprize, and he manifested a disinterestedness and devotion to the cause of freedom, ever to be admired and applauded by a grateful people. He ever discovered both in design and execution, those traits of genius and that intuitive knowledge of tactics, which designate the great man, and the successful warrior. The people of the United States are fully apprized of their high obligations to him, and their history will transmit the name of LA FAYETTE with grateful acknowledgments to the latest posterity. It is gratifying to learn that Congress granted him a valuable tract of land, as a compensation in part for his disinterested patriotism and important services.

When in December, 1784, the Marquis was about to take his final departure from America, congress appointed a committe, consisting of one member from each state, to receive him, and in the name of congress to take leave of him, in such a manner as might strongly manifest their esteem and regard for him. That they be instructed to assure him, that congress continued to entertain the same high sense of his abilities and zeal to promote the welfare of America, both here and in Europe, which they frequently expressed and manifested on former occasions. That the United States regard him with particular affection, and will not cease to feel an interest in whatever may concern his honor and prosperity, and that their best and kind. est wishes will always attend him. Congress resolved also, that a letter be written to his most Christian Majesty, expressive of the high sense which the United States, in congress assembled, entertain of the zeal, talents and meritorious services of the marquis de la Fayette, and recommending him to the favor and patronage of his Majesty. The marquis made a very respectful and affectionate reply, in which he expressed the lively feelings of a heart devoted to the welfare of our rising empire, and gratefully acknowledged, that at a time when an inexperienced youth, he was favoured with his respected friend's paternal adoption. He thus concludes his address.

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May this immense temple of freedom ever stand as a lesson to oppressors, an example to the oppressed, a sanctuary for the rights of mankind; and may these happy United States attain that complete splendor and prosperity which will illustrate the blessings of their government, and for ages to come, rejoice in the departed souls of its founders. Never can congress oblige me so much, as when they put it in my power in every part of the world, to the latest day of

my life, to gratify the attachment which will ever rank me among the most zealous and respectful servants of the United States.'

On his arrival in France he was received in the most enthusiastic manner. His praises were sung in the streets, busts and pictures of him filled the shops, and universal popularity attended him. He was selected without opposition a deputy to the States General by his native province. When these were superseded by the National Assembly, he came forward in that body, (1789) with his celebrated declaration of the rights of man. He opposed the measures of the court with such firmness, that he was made president of the Assembly, and commandant of the National guard. He accepted the latter post with pleasure, and swore to be faithful to the liberties of his country. It is unnecessary to mention with too much minuteness the numerous affrays and quarrels that took place at this period between the king's body guards and the national troops. It is sufficient to remark, that the whole influence of la Fayette was used to preserve order and regularity in the French capital, and to alleviate the publie distresses. When he was ordered by the commune of Paris to proceed to Versailles with his army, and take possession of the out posts, he restrained the violence of his soldiers, assured the king and queen of their safety, and saved the lives of fifteen of the household troops, who had been selected as the victims of the infuriated assailants.-He also advised the duke of Orleans to leave the kingdom, as his presence gave countenance to many sanguinary procedures.

The popularity of la Fayette continuing to increase, he was on the 14th of July, 1790, made general in chief of the national guards of France. At this time he occupied a most important situationthe eyes of the whole world were turned on him. A boundless influence and a devoted army might have carried him successfully to the highest grade of power. In a word, on him reposed all the destinies of France. This was the crisis of his reputation, and from his course at that time, his friends and enemies took their opinions of his character. There was but one course for la Fayette to pursue, and that was the support of liberty, and the maintenance of public tranquillity. He held, as it were, a magnanimous neutrality between the different parties, whenever their projects went beyond the laws of justice and moderation. He gave his vote for the trial by jury, and emancipation of the people of color. But in the spring of 1791, the tide of public feeling began to change. Nothing had been done to settle the affairs of the nation, and the violent reaction of parties commenced, in spite of the restraint imposed upon them. Even his army became affected by the intrigues of enemies, and when Louis XVI. wished to visit St. Cloud, and la Fayette gave orders to let him pass-he was for the first time disobeyed. Disgusted with this want of subordination, la Fayette threw up his commission, and did not resume it until the most humble apologies were made to him.

When the king afterwards actually fled, he was suspected of being concerned in his flight, and the most violent abuse, both in and out of the Assembly, was heaped upon him. The retaking of Louis at Varennes, checked the torrent for a short time, but the royalists now turned upon him from one side, and Murat and the friends of the duke of Orleans accused him of treason on the other. His life was actually attempted by a ruffian of the name of Fournien, whom he suffered to escape unpunished. When the constitution was adopted, in the spirit of a Washington, he resigned his command, alleging that the emergency which required his services, was now over. On this occasion a golden medal, and a bust of Washington, were presented him by the city of Paris. He was offered in addition, a full remuneration for his losses by the Revolution, and this he magnanimously declined. In 1792, he was given the command of the army of the centre, near Ardennes, but had no opportunity offered in which to distinguish himself. Observing, however, the wanton and unneces sary indignities offered to the king, he caused remonstrances to be forwarded from the different corps of the army. These producing no effect, he went in person to Paris, to make his complaints. The military once more opened their arms to receive him, and asked to be led against the Jacobin club, the authors of all the injuries of which he complained. This, from the generous desire to prevent the effusion of blood, he refused, while he proposed to the king, at the same time, to throw himself upon the army for protection. The imbecility and distrust of Louis prevented him from acceding to the offer, when no doubt it would have changed the current of affairs.

On the 10th of August, memorable for the horrid massacres at Versailles, and the flight of the royal family to the national assembly for safety, la Fayette was deprived of his command. His humanity had once saved the palace from destruction, but the Parisian mob now thirsted for blood. The Swiss body guards had no longer a protector to check the cruelty of their assaults. They were all massacred without mercy, though not without a gallant resistance. He lost his command at that time for taking a bold stand against the heated populace, and although the army professed still to love him, he withdrew in the night from the giddy throng of the soldiery, and the madness of party zealots. Immediately his enemies gave loose to their fury, a price was set on his head, and the golden medal before presented to him, was broken to pieces by the common hangman. If his character was now aspersed by the revolutionists, his person, the moment he crossed the frontiers, was endangered by the persecution of the royalists and emigers. The petty duke of Saxe Teschen arrested the illustrious fugitive, and the gallows was actually in preparation for his execution. The king of Prussia then interfered, and changed the sentence of death, to that of close confinement in the dungeons of Wessel and Magdeburgh. After a year's suffering in the latter, the emperor of Austria next claimed him, and threw

him into chains at Olmutz, where death seemed about to close his sufferings. It seemed as if all the despots of Europe wished to contribute to his sufferings. Washington, at this time attempted to obtain his release, and two gentlemen, Dr. Bollman and a young American, named Huger, almost rescued him from prison, by a romantic and extraordinary attempt. He was recaptured, and confined more closely than ever, but was permitted to enjoy the society of his wife and daughter. In 1797, Bonaparte effected his release, and offered to protect him. La Fayette, however, retired to Hamburg, and lived very privately until the overthrow of the French Directory. He declined the offers then made him, and kept closely on his estate till 1815, when he was elected a deputy from the department of Seine and Marne, was nominated to the vice presidency, and had fifty votes for the office of president. After the battle of Waterloo, it is said, he advocated the abdication of Napoleon, and acted with Fouche, in declaring the sitting of the chambers permanent. Napoleon gave him credit for his intentions on this occasion, but according to Las Casas, pronounced him the dupe of men and things,' It is remarkable that Madame Campan expresses nearly the same opinion of him. One thing is certain, however, that La Fayette has ever acted with a single eye to the good of France. On the final restoration of the Bourbons, he again retired to private life, when he was once more elected a deputy from La Sarthe, though opposed by the whole weight of ministerial influence. At the last election, however, he was unsuccessful, because the most unjustifiable means were taken to prevent his success.

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The leisure afforded him, happily occurs at a time when the whole American people are desirous to see him. When we consider the services of this illustrious man during the revolution, our hearts glow with love and admiration. And if his career since, has not always been equally fortunate, it was the fault of the people with whom he was engaged, the fickleness of the nation which he endeavoured to serve, and the rapacity of the times in which he lived. He is now (1824) sixty-seven years of age.

FREDERICK WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BARON DE STEUBEN.

This distinguished and philanthropic officer was a Prussian by birth, and served many years in the armies of Frederick the Great, as one of his aids, with the rank of lieut. general. Ardently attached to the cause of liberty, he made an immense sacrifice by quitting the high station and emoluments which he held in Europe, and embarking in the cause of America. He arrived here in December, 1777, and immediately proffered his services to Congress, wishing only to serve in our armies as a volunteer, without any claim to rank. Congress voted him their thanks for his zeal, and he joined the army under Washington at Valley Forge. In May, 1778, Congress ap

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