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{{Infobox Military Person {{Infobox Military Person
|name=Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette
|name=Lieutenant General Lafayette in 1792 as Guarde Nationale Commandant
|image=] |image=]
|born=] ] |born=] ]
|died=] ] |died=] ]
|placeofbirth=Chavaniac, ] |placeofbirth=]
|placeofdeath=] |placeofdeath=]
|placeofburial=] |placeofburial=]
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|branch= |branch=
|serviceyears= |serviceyears=
|rank=] ](France) |rank=] ]<br/>]
|unit= |unit=
|commands= |commands=
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|awards= |awards=
|relations='''Uncle:''' Jacques-Roch |relations='''Uncle:''' Jacques-Roch
|laterwork=]<br/>] (Auvergne)<br/>Member of the ] (Chamber of Deputies) |laterwork=]<br/>] (Auvergne)<br/>Member of the ]
}} }}
'''Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert duMotier, marquis de Lafayette''' (6 September, 1757 &ndash; 20 May, 1834)<ref name="Death"/> was a ] military officer born the ] region of ]. Lafayette was a general in the ] and a leader of the ] during the ]. '''Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de la Fayette''' (6 September, 1757 &ndash; 20 May, 1834)<ref name="Death"/> was a ] military officer born the ] region of ]. La Fayette was a general in the ] and a leader of the ] during the ].


In the American Revolution, Lafayette served in the ] under ], whom Lafayette considered a mentor and friend. While serving in the Revolutionary War, he was wounded at the ] and organized a successful retreat. He served with distinction in the ], ameliorating French and American relationships after the French fleet departed. In the middle of the war, he returned to France to negotiate an augmented French commitment to the war. Upon his return, he blocked Cornwallis' troops at ], while Washington and ] arrived. He supported the emancipation of slaves and was a member of the French ], which aimed to abolish the slave trade. In the American Revolution, La Fayette served in the ] under ], whom La Fayette considered a mentor and friend. While serving in the Revolutionary War, he was wounded at the ] and organized a successful retreat. He served with distinction in the ], ameliorating French and American relationships after the French fleet departed. In the middle of the war, he returned to France to negotiate an augmented French commitment to the war. Upon his return, he blocked Cornwallis' troops at ], while Washington and ] arrived. He supported the emancipation of slaves and was a member of the French ], which aimed to abolish the slave trade.


Lafayette returned to France and in 1788 was called to the ] to respond to the nation's fiscal crisis. Lafayette proposed a meeting of the ], where representatives from the three traditional classes of French society, the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners would meet. He would serve as Vice President of the body. Lafayette advocated adoption of the ], which he had partly written with ]. Lafayette was appointed commander-in-chief of the French National Guarde in response to violence leading up to the ]. During the Revolution, Lafayette attempted to control order, for which he ultimately was persecuted by the ]s. In 1791, he was captured by ] and suffered nearly five years in several prisons. La Fayette returned to France and in 1788 was called to the ] to respond to the nation's fiscal crisis. La Fayette proposed a meeting of the ], where representatives from the three traditional classes of French society, the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners would meet. He would serve as Vice President of the body. La Fayette advocated adoption of the ], which he had partly written with ]. La Fayette was appointed commander-in-chief of the French National Guarde in response to violence leading up to the ]. During the Revolution, La Fayette attempted to control order, for which he ultimately was persecuted by the ]s. In 1791, he was captured by ] and served nearly five years in prison.


For his contributions in the American Revolution, many cities and monuments throughout the United States have been given his name, and he was the first to be granted Honorary Citizenship to the United States. For his contributions in the American Revolution, many cities and monuments throughout the United States have been given his name, and he was the first to be granted Honorary Citizenship to the United States.


==Early life== ==Early life==
] ]


===Ancestry=== ===Ancestry===
Lafayette was born in Chavaniac,], ] on 6 September, 1757,<ref name="Friends"> retrieved August 13, 2008</ref> at the ], near ], ].<ref name=Adopted>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page&nbsp;7,8</ref> His full name is rarely used, instead he is referred to by aristocratic-French and British influenced countries as the Marquis de Lafayette (a present tense form used in error, since Lafayette was a principle in abolishing nobility in French National Assembly in June, 1790) and by republican-French and in the United States as General Lafayette (which appears on his birth certificate, all his letters after 1778 and his grave stone). He came from a line of soldiers like ] Gilbert de La Fayette III who led ] army and legend tells an ancestor acquired the ] during the ].<ref name="Liberty">Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'',33</ref> As a soldier, Lafayette's uncle, Jacques-Roch died fighting the ], thus leaving the ] title to Lafayette's father.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', p.13</ref> The Marquis de La Fayette (] Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de la Fayette) was born in ], ] on 6 September, 1757,<ref name="Friends"> retrieved August 13, 2008</ref> at the ], near ], ].<ref name=Adopted>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page&nbsp;7,8</ref> His full name is rarely used, instead he is referred to as the Marquis de la Fayette or in the United States as General Lafayette. He came from a line of soldiers like ] Gilbert de La Fayette III who led ] army and legend tells an ancestor acquired the ] during the ].<ref name="Liberty">Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'',33</ref> As a soldier, La Fayette's uncle, Jacques-Roch died fighting the ], thus leaving the ] title to La Fayette's father.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', p.13</ref>
From a long line of orphans, Lafayette also lost both of his parents at a young age. His father died on 1 August 1759,<ref name="Friends"/> during the ] at the ] in ], where he was shot by a British cannonball. On 3 April 1770, Lafayette's mother died and subsequently after on 24 April his grandfather died bequeathing him with an income of 25,000 ], augmented upon the death of an uncle, leaving the thirteen year old Lafayette a yearly sum of 120,000 livres.<ref name=Memoir>Holbrook,''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page&nbsp;13, 71</ref><ref name="Friends"/> Lafayette was raised by his paternal grandmother, Madame de Chavaniac, Madeleine de Motier and Charlotte Guèrin. His grandmother would tell him stories of his father's death, advising to dislike the English.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page&nbsp;13</ref> From a long line of orphans, La Fayette also lost both of his parents at a young age. His father died on 1 August 1759,<ref name="Friends"/> during the ] at the ] in ], where he was shot by a British cannonball. On 3 April 1770, La Fayette's mother died and subsequently after on 24 April his grandfather died bequeathing him with an income of 25,000 ], augmented upon the death of an uncle, leaving the thirteen year old La Fayette a yearly sum of 120,000 livres.<ref name=Memoir>Holbrook,''Lafayett, Man in the Middle'', page&nbsp;13, 71</ref><ref name="Friends"/> La Fayette was raised by his paternal grandmother, Madame de Chavaniac, Madeleine de Motier and Charlotte Guèrin. His grandmother would tell him stories of his father's death, advising to dislike the English.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page&nbsp;13</ref>


===Education and marriage=== ===Education and marriage===
He was educated by his aunt and two priests, including the Abbe Fayon, Curé de Saint-Roch de Chavaniac. His learning focused on reading, mathematics and writing, with focus on the ], including the works of ], ] and ]. He was educated by his aunt and two priests, including the Abbe Fayon, Curé de Saint-Roch de Chavaniac. His learning focused on reading, mathematics and writing, with focus on the ], including the works of ], ] and ].
In 1768, Lafayette's grandfather desired the young man to travel to the ] in ] in order that he be introduced to society. At age 11, he entered the Collège du Plessis, a school for nobleman's children which emphasized Latin and the Greek and Roman civilizations.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page&nbsp;17</ref> On 9 April 1771 Lafayette was commissioned as a ] in the elite '']''.<ref name="Memoir"/> As a young, wealthy nobleman, the fifteen year-old Lafayette attracted numerous marriage proposals, however it was the Marie Adrienne Francoise ] (2 November 1759 – 24 December 1807) whom he married. She was the daughter of ], from one of the most prosperous families. The marriage was arranged, with the contract stipulating that neither would be aware of the agreement until after the completion of their educations'. Marie Adrienne's mother, the duchesse d'Ayen, organized for the two to meet "as if by accident". A success, the two shared an immediate mutual attraction. On 14 March 1774 the marriage contract was signed by Louis XV and the two married on 11 April.<ref name="Friends"/> with Lafayette's father in law giving the youth command of a company in the Noailles Dragoons and the rank of ].<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 20</ref> In 1768, La Fayette's grandfather desired the young man to travel to the ] in ] in order that he be introduced to society. At age 11, he entered the Collège du Plessis, a school for nobleman's children which emphasized Latin and the Greek and Roman civilizations.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page&nbsp;17</ref> On 9 April 1771 La Fayette was commissioned as a ] in the elite '']''.<ref name="Memoir"/> As a young, wealthy nobleman, the fifteen year-old La Fayette attracted numerous marriage proposals, however it was the Marie Adrienne Francoise ] (2 November 1759 – 24 December 1807) whom he married. She was the daughter of ], from one of the most prosperous families. The marriage was arranged, with the contract stipulating that neither would be aware of the agreement until after the completion of their educations'. Marie Adrienne's mother, the duchesse d'Ayen, organized for the two to meet "as if by accident". A success, the two shared an immediate mutual attraction. On 14 March 1774 the marriage contract was signed by Louis XV and the two married on 11 April.<ref name="Friends"/> with La Fayette's father in law giving the youth command of a company in the Noailles Dragoons and the rank of ].<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 20</ref>


==Departure from France== ==Departure from France==
===Joining the American war=== ===Joining the American war===
In 1775 Lafayette partook in his unit's annual training event in ], where he would meet ], the Army of the East's commander and a senior superior. De Broglie invited the young Lafayette to join the ] and the ] became a popular topic amongst the Lodge's members. When the ], ]'s brother and colonial policy critic, traveled through the region, he was invited to dinner with de Broglie and his men.<ref name="Liberty"/> Lafayette would write in his memoirs that at this dinner he "...first learned of that quarrel, my heart was enlisted and I thought only of joining the colors."<ref name="Jefferson">Adams, ''The Paris years of Thomas Jefferson'', page&nbsp;12</ref> In 1775 La Fayette partook in his unit's annual training event in ], where he would meet ], the Army of the East's commander and a senior superior. De Broglie invited the young La Fayette to join the ] and the ] became a popular topic amongst the Lodge's members. When the ], ]'s brother and colonial policy critic, traveled through the region, he was invited to dinner with de Broglie and his men.<ref name="Liberty"/> La Fayette would write in his memoirs that at this dinner he "...first learned of that quarrel, my heart was enlisted and I thought only of joining the colors."<ref name="Jefferson">Adams, ''The Paris years of Thomas Jefferson'', page&nbsp;12</ref>
Lafayette returned to Paris in the fall and participated in ''sociétés de penseé'' (]: thinking groups), where the topic of French involvement in the American Revolution was frequent. A common speaker to these groups was ] who criticized the nobility, clergy and slavery. Although the monarchy banned him from speaking, he was able to espouse his views secretly in the Masonic Lodges of which Lafayette was a member. Through Raynal, Lafayette first heard of the "rights of man".<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 28</ref> La Fayette returned to Paris in the fall and participated in ''sociétés de penseé'' (]: thinking groups), where the topic of French involvement in the American Revolution was frequent. A common speaker to these groups was ] who criticized the nobility, clergy and slavery. Although the monarchy banned him from speaking, he was able to espouse his views secretly in the Masonic Lodges of which La Fayette was a member. Through Raynal, La Fayette first heard of the "rights of man".<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 28</ref>


On 7 December 1776 Lafayette made an arrangement through ], an American agent in ], to enter the American service as a major general.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 15</ref> Lafayette's father-in-law did not support his traveling to America, so he had him appointed to a post in Britain. This was brief, as Lafayette refused to toast King George.<ref name="Holbrook">Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'',15,16</ref> In 1777 the French government granted the American military 1 million livres in supplies, a product of Minister ]'s avocation for French involvement. De Broglie, met German ], an American sympathizer, who explained the American situation. Following this meeting de Broglie approached Gravier, suggesting assistance to the American revolutionaries. De Broglie then presented Lafayette, who had been placed on the reserve list, to Johann Kalb.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 75</ref> On 7 December 1776 La Fayette made an arrangement through ], an American agent in ], to enter the American service as a major general.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 15</ref> La Fayette's father-in-law did not support his traveling to America, so he had him appointed to a post in Britain. This was brief, as La Fayette refused to toast King George.<ref name="Holbrook">Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'',15,16</ref> In 1777 the French government granted the American military 1 million livres in supplies, a product of Minister ]'s avocation for French involvement. De Broglie, met German ], an American sympathizer, who explained the American situation. Following this meeting de Broglie approached Gravier, suggesting assistance to the American revolutionaries. De Broglie then presented La Fayette, who had been placed on the reserve list, to Johann Kalb.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 75</ref>


===Second Departure from France=== ===Second Departure from France===
Upon returning to Paris, Lafayette found that the ] did not have the money for his voyage, hence he himself paid for the cost the ship ''La Victoire''.<ref name="Holbrook">Holbrook,&nbsp;pp.&nbsp;19-20</ref><ref name="virt">{{cite web|url=http://www.marquisdelafayette.net/|publisher=Virtualology.com|title=General Lafayette|accessdate=2007-10-10|work= Revolutionary War Hall}}</ref> Even the king had to "officially" forbid his leaving after British spies discovered his plan. At the request of the British ambassador, orders were issued to seize the ship Lafayette was fitting out at ] and to have Lafayette arrested. He eluded capture disguised as a courier and traveled to ]. On 20 April 1777 he sailed for America with 11 companions, missing a farewell to his pregnant wife.<ref name="Memoir"/> The ship's captain carried $8,000 worth of cargo destined for the ]. Lafayette, fearful of arrest, bought the cargo in order that the ship not sail to the islands. Following pursuit by two British ships, he landed safely on North Island near ], on 13 June 1777 after a voyage of nearly two months.<ref name="Holbrook"/><ref name="Allies">Glathaar,&nbsp;''Forgotten Alliespage'',&nbsp;page 3</ref><ref name="Forge">{{cite web|url=http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/lafayette.html|title=General Lafayette|work=The Historic Valley Forge|accessdate=2007-10-10}}</ref> Upon returning to Paris, La Fayette found that the ] did not have the money for his voyage, hence he himself paid for the cost the ship ''La Victoire''.<ref name="Holbrook">Holbrook,&nbsp;pp.&nbsp;19-20</ref><ref name="virt">{{cite web|url=http://www.marquisdelafayette.net/|publisher=Virtualology.com|title=Marquis de Lafayette|accessdate=2007-10-10|work= Revolutionary War Hall}}</ref> Even the king had to "officially" forbid his leaving after British spies discovered his plan. At the request of the British ambassador, orders were issued to seize the ship La Fayette was fitting out at ] and to have La Fayette arrested. He eluded capture disguised as a courier and traveled to ]. On 20 April 1777 he sailed for America with 11 companions, missing a farewell to his pregnant wife.<ref name="Memoir"/> The ship's captain carried $8,000 worth of cargo destined for the ]. La Fayette, fearful of arrest, bought the cargo in order that the ship not sail to the islands. Following pursuit by two British ships, he landed safely on North Island near ], on 13 June 1777 after a voyage of nearly two months.<ref name="Holbrook"/><ref name="Allies">Glathaar,&nbsp;''Forgotten Alliespage'',&nbsp;page 3</ref><ref name="Forge">{{cite web|url=http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/lafayette.html|title=The Marquis de Lafayette|work=The Historic Valley Forge|accessdate=2007-10-10}}</ref>


==American Revolution== ==American Revolution==
] ]
Upon arrival, Lafayette met with Major ], with whom he stayed for two weeks before their departure to ]. Lafayette remarked in letters home of his experience, noting the "simplicity of manner ... love of country and liberty, the delightful equality that reigns everywhere."<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 18</ref> After a thirty-two day journey, waited four days for the Continental Congress to declare, on 31 July 1777, "that his services be accepted and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of major-general of the ].<ref name="nndb">{{cite web|publisher=www.nndb.com|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/934/000049787/|title= General Lafayette|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref name="virt"/><ref name="Holbrook"/> He was not assigned a unit. Due to this, Lafayette nearly returned home. However, ] penned a letter to ] requesting that he accept Lafayette as his aide-de-camp, in order that this action may influence France to commit more aid to the American war.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 20</ref> Upon arrival, La Fayette met with Major ], with whom he stayed for two weeks before their departure to ]. La Fayette remarked in letters home of his experience, noting the "simplicity of manner ... love of country and liberty, the delightful equality that reigns everywhere."<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 18</ref> After a thirty-two day journey, waited four days for the Continental Congress to declare, on 31 July 1777, "that his services be accepted and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of major-general of the ].<ref name="nndb">{{cite web|publisher=www.nndb.com|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/934/000049787/|title= Marquis de Lafayette|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref name="virt"/><ref name="Holbrook"/> He was not assigned a unit. Due to this, La Fayette nearly returned home. However, ] penned a letter to ] requesting that he accept La Fayette as his aide-de-camp, in order that this action may influence France to commit more aid to the American war.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 20</ref>


Washington accepted and soon after, Lafayette met him at ] 10 August 1777.<ref> retrieved 13 August 2008</ref><ref name="Friends"/> In reply to a comment from Washington that he was embarrassed to show a French officer the state of their camp and troops, Lafayette responded, "I am here to learn, not to teach."<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 70</ref> Thus, he became a member of Washington's staff, although confusion existed regarding his status. The Congress regarded his commission as honorary, while he considered himself a full-fledged commander who would be given control of a division when Washington deemed him prepared. To address this, Washington told Lafayette that a division would not be possible as he was of foreign birth, however Washington said that he would be happy to hold him in confidence as "friend and father". Both men would regard this as their "great conversation".<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 100</ref> Washington accepted and soon after, La Fayette met him at ] 10 August 1777.<ref> retrieved 13 August 2008</ref><ref name="Friends"/> In reply to a comment from Washington that he was embarrassed to show a French officer the state of their camp and troops, La Fayette responded, "I am here to learn, not to teach."<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 70</ref> Thus, he became a member of Washington's staff, although confusion existed regarding his status. The Congress regarded his commission as honorary, while he considered himself a full-fledged commander who would be given control of a division when Washington deemed him prepared. To address this, Washington told La Fayette that a division would not be possible as he was of foreign birth, however Washington said that he would be happy to hold him in confidence as "friend and father". Both men would regard this as their "great conversation".<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 100</ref>


===Brandywine and Albany=== ===Brandywine and Albany===
] ]
Lafayette's first battle was the loss at ] on 11 September 1777.<ref name="Friends"/><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 23</ref> After the British outflanked the Americans, Washington acquiesced to a request by Lafayette to join General ]. Upon his arrival, Lafayette went with the Third Pennsylvania Bridge, under Brigadier ] and attempted to rally the unit to face the attack. In face of the British and ] superiority, Lafayette was shot in the leg. During the American retreat, before being treated for his wound, Lafayette created a control point allowing a more orderly retreat.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 75</ref> Following the battle, he was cited by George Washington for "bravery and military ardour" and was recommended for the command of a division in a letter to the congress on 1 November.<ref name="Holbrook"/> La Fayette's first battle was the loss at ] on 11 September 1777.<ref name="Friends"/><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 23</ref> After the British outflanked the Americans, Washington acquiesced to a request by La Fayette to join General ]. Upon his arrival, La Fayette went with the Third Pennsylvania Bridge, under Brigadier ] and attempted to rally the unit to face the attack. In face of the British and ] superiority, La Fayette was shot in the leg. During the American retreat, before being treated for his wound, La Fayette created a control point allowing a more orderly retreat.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 75</ref> Following the battle, he was cited by George Washington for "bravery and military ardour" and was recommended for the command of a division in a letter to the congress on 1 November.<ref name="Holbrook"/>


After two months of repair, Lafayette was well enough to return to the field and assisted General ] in reconnaissance of British positions in New Jersey. With 300 soldiers he defeated a numerically superior ] force in ] on 24 November 1777.<ref name="Friends"/> He returned to ] for the winter, where he was asked by the War Board, headed by General ], to travel to ] where he would lead troops preparing for an invasion of ]. Gates was capitalizing on his success in the ] in order to remove Washington from command and this plan included separating him from Lafayette. Lafayette awaited the coming approval from Washington before departing for Albany, where he found the men insufficient to mount a Canadian invasion. Lafayette wrote Washington of the situation and made plans to return to Valley Forge. Before his departure, he was able to recruit the ], who referred to Lafayette as Kayewla which means fearsome horsemen, to the American side.<ref name="Holbrook"/> After two months of repair, La Fayette was well enough to return to the field and assisted General ] in reconnaissance of British positions in New Jersey. With 300 soldiers he defeated a numerically superior ] force in ] on 24 November 1777.<ref name="Friends"/> He returned to ] for the winter, where he was asked by the War Board, headed by General ], to travel to ] where he would lead troops preparing for an invasion of ]. Gates was capitalizing on his success in the ] in order to remove Washington from command and this plan included separating him from La Fayette. La Fayette awaited the coming approval from Washington before departing for Albany, where he found the men insufficient to mount a Canadian invasion. La Fayette wrote Washington of the situation and made plans to return to Valley Forge. Before his departure, he was able to recruit the ], who referred to La Fayette as Kayewla which means fearsome horsemen, to the American side.<ref name="Holbrook"/>


Lafayette returned to Valley Forge and Gates' plan to assume control of the Army was halted. Meanwhile, in March 1778, treaties signed by America and France were made public and France formally recognized American independence.<ref name="Liberty"/> La Fayette returned to Valley Forge and Gates' plan to assume control of the Army was halted. Meanwhile, in March 1778, treaties signed by America and France were made public and France formally recognized American independence.<ref name="Liberty"/>


===Barren Hill, Monmouth and Rhode Island=== ===Barren Hill, Monmouth and Rhode Island===
In reply to the French entrance into the war, the British withdrew from Philadelphia and General Howe sent 5,000 soldiers to attack Lafayette, hoping to capture him for his political value. On 20 May 1778 Lafayette was warned of the impending attack and in an attempt to feign numerical superiority, he ordered that a few men appear from the woods, on an outcropping known as ] (present day ]) periodically to fire upon the British.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 112</ref> Lafayette was then able to cross Matson's Ford with the remainder of his force.<ref>Holbrook,&nbsp;''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'',&nbsp;page&nbsp;28,29</ref> As the British evacuated their force north, the Continental Army attacked at the ] with Lafayette present.<ref name="Liberty"/> In reply to the French entrance into the war, the British withdrew from Philadelphia and General Howe sent 5,000 soldiers to attack La Fayette, hoping to capture him for his political value. On 20 May 1778 La Fayette was warned of the impending attack and in an attempt to feign numerical superiority, he ordered that a few men appear from the woods, on an outcropping known as ] (present day ]) periodically to fire upon the British.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 112</ref> La Fayette was then able to cross Matson's Ford with the remainder of his force.<ref>Holbrook,&nbsp;''Lafayett, Man in the Middle'',&nbsp;page&nbsp;28,29</ref> As the British evacuated their force north, the Continental Army attacked at the ] with La Fayette present.<ref name="Liberty"/>


The French fleet arrived in America on 8 July 1778, under Admiral ], with whom General Washington planned to attack ]. Lafayette and General ] were sent with a 3,000 man force to participate in the attack. Lafayette aimed to control a joint Franco-American force in the attack, but was rebuffed. On 9 August the American force attacked the British without consulting D'Estaing. Afterwards when the Americans asked the Admiral to leave his fleet in ], he demurred and attacked the British under Lord Howe.<ref name="Adopted"/> D'Estaing's successfully saw the removal of the British fleet, but at the expense of his ships weathering a battering storm.<ref name="Holbrook"/> The French fleet arrived in America on 8 July 1778, under Admiral ], with whom General Washington planned to attack ]. La Fayette and General ] were sent with a 3,000 man force to participate in the attack. La Fayette aimed to control a joint Franco-American force in the attack, but was rebuffed. On 9 August the American force attacked the British without consulting D'Estaing. Afterwards when the Americans asked the Admiral to leave his fleet in ], he demurred and attacked the British under Lord Howe.<ref name="Adopted"/> D'Estaing's successfully saw the removal of the British fleet, but at the expense of his ships weathering a battering storm.<ref name="Holbrook"/>


D'Estaing moved his damaged ships north to Boston for repairs. As a result, Bostonians rioted against the French fleet, considering his departure from Newport a desertion. ] and Lafayette were dispatched to calm the situation, which they did successfully. Lafayette then returned to Newport to prepare for retreat, which was needed due to D'Estaing's exit. For these events, Lafayette was cited by the Continental Congress for "gallantry, skill and prudence", however he realized that the Boston riot would reflect poorly on the Franco-American alliance in France. Therefore, he asked and was given permission to return to France.<ref name="Holbrook"/> D'Estaing moved his damaged ships north to Boston for repairs. As a result, Bostonians rioted against the French fleet, considering his departure from Newport a desertion. ] and La Fayette were dispatched to calm the situation, which they did successfully. La Fayette then returned to Newport to prepare for retreat, which was needed due to D'Estaing's exit. For these events, La Fayette was cited by the Continental Congress for "gallantry, skill and prudence", however he realized that the Boston riot would reflect poorly on the Franco-American alliance in France. Therefore, he asked and was given permission to return to France.<ref name="Holbrook"/>


===Return to France=== ===Return to France===
In February 1779, Lafayette returned to Paris. Lafayette had acted against the King's wishes when leaving the country and was thus placed under house arrest for two weeks. Nevertheless, his return was triumphant.<ref name="Holbrook"/> He was presented by Benjamin Franklin's grandson with a 4,800 livre gold-encrusted sword commissioned by the Continental Congress and the King requested to see him.<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 243</ref> The King reacted well to the returned soldier and placed him back in the dragoons after Lafayette proposed various schemes of attacking the British. Lafayette utilized his new position to lobby for added French aid to the America. While working in conjunction with Franklin he was able to negotiate 6,000 soldiers who were to be commanded by General ].<ref name="Holbrook"/> In February 1779, La Fayette returned to Paris. La Fayette had acted against the King's wishes when leaving the country and was thus placed under house arrest for two weeks. Nevertheless, his return was triumphant.<ref name="Holbrook"/> He was presented by Benjamin Franklin's grandson with a 4,800 livre gold-encrusted sword commissioned by the Continental Congress and the King requested to see him.<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 243</ref> The King reacted well to the returned soldier and placed him back in the dragoons after La Fayette proposed various schemes of attacking the British. La Fayette utilized his new position to lobby for added French aid to the America. While working in conjunction with Franklin he was able to negotiate 6,000 soldiers who were to be commanded by General ].<ref name="Holbrook"/>


On 24 December 1779 Lafayette received news that Adrienne had bore him a son, whom he would name George-Washington Lafayette.<ref name="Friends"/> After his son's birth, the young general spent the remainder of his time in France pushing for additional commitments. He also ordered new uniforms for the soldiers and prepared arrangements for the fleet's departure. Before returning to America, Lafayette and the French force had their status objectified: they would be operating under American forces, which would allow Washington control over the military operation. In March 1780, Lafayette left a saddened Adrienne and departed for the Americas aboard the ''Hermione''.<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 257</ref> On 24 December 1779 La Fayette received news that Adrienne had bore him a son, whom he would name George-Washington La Fayette.<ref name="Friends"/> After his son's birth, the young general spent the remainder of his time in France pushing for additional commitments. He also ordered new uniforms for the soldiers and prepared arrangements for the fleet's departure. Before returning to America, La Fayette and the French force had their status objectified: they would be operating under American forces, which would allow Washington control over the military operation. In March 1780, La Fayette left a saddened Adrienne and departed for the Americas aboard the ''Hermione''.<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 257</ref>


===Virginia and Yorktown=== ===Virginia and Yorktown===
] ]
Returning to the war zone, Lafayette defended ], ], from ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 153</ref> After days of skirmishing, Arnold and ] crossed paths and effected a juncture of their units. In June, Cornwallis received orders from ] to proceed to the ] and oversee the construction of a port, leaving Lafayette and inland Virginia. As the British column traveled in July, Lafayette boldly followed behind him, a show of force that encouraged new recruits. By August, Cornwallis established the British at ], and Lafayette took up position on ], which trapped the British when the French Fleet arrived.<ref name="Liberty"/><ref name="virt"/><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 43</ref> Returning to the war zone, La Fayette defended ], ], from ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 153</ref> After days of skirmishing, Arnold and ] crossed paths and effected a juncture of their units. In June, Cornwallis received orders from ] to proceed to the ] and oversee the construction of a port, leaving La Fayette and inland Virginia. As the British column traveled in July, La Fayette boldly followed behind him, a show of force that encouraged new recruits. By August, Cornwallis established the British at ], and La Fayette took up position on ], which trapped the British when the French Fleet arrived.<ref name="Liberty"/><ref name="virt"/><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 43</ref>


On 14 September 1781 Washington approached Lafayette's camp, and the two happily met one another. Lafayette had held the British at ] as the supplies and troops arrived for the American and French forces. On the 28th, the men neared Yorktown and began preparations for the siege. With the French fleet blockading the British, the combined forces began to attack. Lafayette's detail was the right end of the American wing whose 400 men took redoubt 10, in hand to hand combat.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 54</ref> After a failed British counterattack, Cornwallis surrendered on 19 October 1781 under a combined volley.<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 330-338</ref><ref name="Friends"/> On 14 September 1781 Washington approached La Fayette's camp, and the two happily met one another. La Fayette had held the British at ] as the supplies and troops arrived for the American and French forces. On the 28th, the men neared Yorktown and began preparations for the siege. With the French fleet blockading the British, the combined forces began to attack. La Fayette's detail was the right end of the American wing whose 400 men took redoubt 10, in hand to hand combat.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 54</ref> After a failed British counterattack, Cornwallis surrendered on 19 October 1781 under a combined volley.<ref>Clary, Adopted Son, page 330-338</ref><ref name="Friends"/>


===After the Revolution=== ===After the Revolution===
Lafayette returned to France on 18 January 1781, where he was welcomed as a hero and witnessed the birth of his daughter whom he named Virginie upon ]'s recommendation.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 56</ref> He was promoted to ], skipping numerous ranks.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 63</ref> Lafayette then helped prepare for a combined French and Spanish expedition against the ], of which he was appointed chief-of-staff. The ] signed on 20 January 1783, between the countries put a stop to the expedition.<ref name="nndb"/> La Fayette returned to France on 18 January 1781, where he was welcomed as a hero and witnessed the birth of his daughter whom he named Virginie upon ]'s recommendation.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 56</ref> He was promoted to ], skipping numerous ranks.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 63</ref> La Fayette then helped prepare for a combined French and Spanish expedition against the ], of which he was appointed chief-of-staff. The ] signed on 20 January 1783, between the countries put a stop to the expedition.<ref name="nndb"/>
] ]
At Washington's invitation, in 1784, Lafayette went to ] and visited with Washington multiple times. They both exchanged gifts before Lafayette sailed from New York back to France in December. It would be the final time they would see each other.<ref>{{cite web|title=Washington & Lafayette|author=Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens|url=http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/349/|work= Washington & Lafayette|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref> At Washington's invitation, in 1784, La Fayette went to ] and visited with Washington multiple times. They both exchanged gifts before La Fayette sailed from New York back to France in December. It would be the final time they would see each other.<ref>{{cite web|title=Washington & Lafayette|author=Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens|url=http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/349/|work= Washington & Lafayette|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref>


When Lafayette departed for his home country, he took with him views he formed in the United States, which he would work to further in France. Although Lafayette had initially viewed slaves as property and, following a meeting with American spy ], advocated for their use as soldiers, during the revolution, this view changed.<ref name="nndb"/><ref>{{cite web|work=Lafayette and Slavery|title=Introduction|url=http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~library/special/specialexhibits/slaveryexhibit/onlineexhibit/page1.htm|publisher=Lafayette College|date=2002-08-09|accessdate=2008-09-11}}</ref><ref name="Shaw">{{cite web|author=Diane Windham Shaw|url=http://www.lafayette.edu/press/magazine/Jan07/slavery.html|title=Lafayette and Slavery|publisher=Lafayette College|work= Lafayette Alumni News Magazine|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> Sources{{Weasel-inline}} debate when he became an abolitionist, however when he returned to France, he was actively involved in the French abolitionist group, ]. In 1786, started freeing his slaves who worked on his land in the ] and he often vocalized to his American colleagues his objections to the practice.<ref name="Shaw"/><ref>Kramer, ''Lafayette in Two Words'', page 217</ref> When La Fayette departed for his home country, he took with him views he formed in the United States, which he would work to further in France. Although La Fayette had initially viewed slaves as property and, following a meeting with American spy ], advocated for their use as soldiers, during the revolution, this view changed.<ref name="nndb"/><ref>{{cite web|work=Lafayette and Slavery|title=Introduction|url=http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~library/special/specialexhibits/slaveryexhibit/onlineexhibit/page1.htm|publisher=Lafayette College|date=2002-08-09|accessdate=2008-09-11}}</ref><ref name="Shaw">{{cite web|author=Diane Windham Shaw|url=http://www.lafayette.edu/press/magazine/Jan07/slavery.html|title=Lafayette and Slavery|publisher=Lafayette College|work= Lafayette Alumni News Magazine|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> Sources{{Weasel-inline}} debate when he became an abolitionist, however when he returned to France, he was actively involved in the French abolitionist group, ]. In 1786, started freeing his slaves who worked on his land in the ] and he often vocalized to his American colleagues his objections to the practice.<ref name="Shaw"/><ref>Kramer, ''La Fayette in Two Words'', page 217</ref>


==French Revolution== ==French Revolution==
===Assembly of Notables and Estates-General=== ===Assembly of Notables and Estates-General===
{{main|French Revolution}} {{main|French Revolution}}
]]] ]]]
In France, Lafayette spent his initial days organizing trade agreements between the United States and France, with the assistance of Thomas Jefferson. These agreements included commitments on tobacco and whale oil, aimed at reducing the debt owed France by the nascent America.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 65</ref> Lafayette would also return to the new nation and traveled to eleven states, to provide the Congress with news of trade negotiations. This trip included a visit to Washington's farm on ], where ] gave him smoked hams for his wife; an honorary degree from Harvard; a meeting with the ] Indians; a portrait of Washington from the city of Boston; and a bust from the state of Virginia.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 67-68</ref><ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', pp.198-99,204,206</ref> In France, La Fayette spent his initial days organizing trade agreements between the United States and France, with the assistance of Thomas Jefferson. These agreements included commitments on tobacco and whale oil, aimed at reducing the debt owed France by the nascent America.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 65</ref> La Fayette would also return to the new nation and traveled to eleven states, to provide the Congress with news of trade negotiations. This trip included a visit to Washington's farm on ], where ] gave him smoked hams for his wife; an honorary degree from Harvard; a meeting with the ] Indians; a portrait of Washington from the city of Boston; and a bust from the state of Virginia.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 67-68</ref><ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', pp.198-99,204,206</ref>


In February 1788, the King called the ] for the first time since 1626. The purpose was to discuss France's fiscal crisis. During the meeting, Lafayette proposed an Assembly of the ], which would be a representation of the three different classes in society: the Clergy, the Nobility and the Commons.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 72</ref> In 1789, Lafayette was elected to the Estates-General. In preparation, Lafayette worked with Thomas Jefferson on a document called the ], which was similar to the ], noting the inalienable rights of "liberty, property, safety and resistance to opression."<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 79</ref><ref name="Gerson">Gerson, ''Statue in Search of a Pedestal'', pages&nbsp;81-83</ref><ref name="Revolution"/> In February 1788, the King called the ] for the first time since 1626. The purpose was to discuss France's fiscal crisis. During the meeting, La Fayette proposed an Assembly of the ], which would be a representation of the three different classes in society: the Clergy, the Nobility and the Commons.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 72</ref> In 1789, La Fayette was elected to the Estates-General. In preparation, La Fayette worked with Thomas Jefferson on a document called the ], which was similar to the ], noting the inalienable rights of "liberty, property, safety and resistance to opression."<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 79</ref><ref name="Gerson">Gerson, ''Statue in Search of a Pedestal'', pages&nbsp;81-83</ref><ref name="Revolution"/>


When the Estates General convened on 5 May 1789, Lafayette was a member of the Second Estate, that of the Nobles. When King Louis XVI was confronted with difficulties of the Estates General, he closed the meeting room of the Third Estate, which rather than forcing a halt to their assembly, led them to meet in the ].<ref>de La Fuye, ''The Apostle of Liberty'', page 83.</ref> This new group would call themselves the National Assembly and declared themselves the governing body in France. On 11 July 1789, he presented the document he had brought with him, his Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens.<ref name="Gerson"/> The next day, in response to the dismissal of Finance Minister ], ] organized a mob to arms. In response, the Assembly authorized a National Guard, appointing Lafayette as commander and elected him vice-president of the Assembly.<ref name="Gerson"/> The following day, on 14 July 1789, the ] was stormed.<ref name="Gerson"/><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 81</ref><ref name="Friends"/> When the Estates General convened on 5 May 1789, La Fayette was a member of the Second Estate, that of the Nobles. When King Louis XVI was confronted with difficulties of the Estates General, he closed the meeting room of the Third Estate, which rather than forcing a halt to their assembly, led them to meet in the ].<ref>de La Fuye, ''The Apostle of Liberty'', page 83.</ref> This new group would call themselves the National Assembly and declared themselves the governing body in France. On 11 July 1789, he presented the document he had brought with him, his Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens.<ref name="Gerson"/> The next day, in response to the dismissal of Finance Minister ], ] organized a mob to arms. In response, the Assembly authorized a National Guard, appointing La Fayette as commander and elected him vice-president of the Assembly.<ref name="Gerson"/> The following day, on 14 July 1789, the ] was stormed.<ref name="Gerson"/><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 81</ref><ref name="Friends"/>


===National Guard=== ===National Guard===
] ]]]
After hearing the news about the Bastille, Lafayette raced into Paris as a mob attacked a priest. Lafayette walked onto the balcony of city hall, which overlooked the mob and held his son aloft saying, "I have the honor to introduce my son." The mob's attention diverted, the priest was brought to safety.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 84</ref> Lafayette proposed plans to have a demanding schedule for the soldiers of the National Guard to the ]. During this meeting, he brought a red, white and blue cockade with him. These colors would become the basis for the ].<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 88</ref><ref name="Gerson"/> After hearing the news about the Bastille, La Fayette raced into Paris as a mob attacked a priest. La Fayette walked onto the balcony of city hall, which overlooked the mob and held his son aloft saying, "I have the honor to introduce my son." The mob's attention diverted, the priest was brought to safety.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 84</ref> La Fayette proposed plans to have a demanding schedule for the soldiers of the National Guard to the ]. During this meeting, he brought a red, white and blue cockade with him. These colors would become the basis for the ].<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 88</ref><ref name="Gerson"/>


In the ] he pleaded for ], ], the establishment of trial by ], the gradual emancipation of slaves, ], the abolition of arbitrary imprisonment and of titles of ] and the suppression of privileged orders.<ref name="Revolution">Neely, ''A Concise History'', page 86</ref> They also debated a veto measure, which would have allowed the King to bar any law passed by the Assembly. The agreement appeared reasonable until ] declined to ratify the Declaration of Rights. In response, a mob moved to ] to meet the royal family. Lafayette awoke the King and replaced his guards with National Guardsmen who were later shot by the mob. Lafayette then took the queen onto the balcony to confront the crowd, after which the King and Queen entered captivity.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 93</ref> In the ] he pleaded for ], ], the establishment of trial by ], the gradual emancipation of slaves, ], the abolition of arbitrary imprisonment and of titles of ] and the suppression of privileged orders.<ref name="Revolution">Neely, ''A Concise History'', page 86</ref> They also debated a veto measure, which would have allowed the King to bar any law passed by the Assembly. The agreement appeared reasonable until ] declined to ratify the Declaration of Rights. In response, a mob moved to ] to meet the royal family. La Fayette awoke the King and replaced his guards with National Guardsmen who were later shot by the mob. La Fayette then took the queen onto the balcony to confront the crowd, after which the King and Queen entered captivity.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 93</ref>


Lafayette took a prominent part in the ] of 14 July 1790, the first anniversary of the ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 331</ref> After suppressing a riot in April 1791 he resigned his commission and was compelled to retain it. On 20 June 1791, an unsuccessful plot enfolded nearly allowing the King to escape. Lafayette, the leader of the National Guard, was responsible for their custody. Although he made moves for their arrest he was blamed publicly by ] for the mishap and called a "traitor" to the people by ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 345, 346</ref> This portrayed Lafayette as a royalist.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 100</ref> La Fayette took a prominent part in the ] of 14 July 1790, the first anniversary of the ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 331</ref> After suppressing a riot in April 1791 he resigned his commission and was compelled to retain it. On 20 June 1791, an unsuccessful plot enfolded nearly allowing the King to escape. La Fayette, the leader of the National Guard, was responsible for their custody. Although he made moves for their arrest he was blamed publicly by ] for the mishap and called a "traitor" to the people by ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 345, 346</ref> This portrayed La Fayette as a royalist.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 100</ref>


On 17 July Lafayette was fired upon by the crowd after Danton read the proposed Constitution, after a crowd beheaded two vagrants, at the ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 348</ref> The guardsmen retaliated by firing into the crowd. Martial law was ordered by ], the ] and the crowd was ordered to disperse. When they did not, Lafayette ordered the National Guard to open fire and arrest the assassins in the crowd.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 100</ref> About 50 people were killed in what became known as the ''Massacre of the ]'', which decisively marked the end of the alliance between constitutional monarchists and radicals like ] and ]. The situation appeared to cool after the King signed the new Constitution on 13 September, and Lafayette was presented with a sword.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 105</ref> On 17 July La Fayette was fired upon by the crowd after Danton read the proposed Constitution, after a crowd beheaded two vagrants, at the ].<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 348</ref> The guardsmen retaliated by firing into the crowd. Martial law was ordered by ], the ] and the crowd was ordered to disperse. When they did not, La Fayette ordered the National Guard to open fire and arrest the assassins in the crowd.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 100</ref> About 50 people were killed in what became known as the ''Massacre of the ]'', which decisively marked the end of the alliance between constitutional monarchists and radicals like ] and ]. The situation appeared to cool after the King signed the new Constitution on 13 September, and La Fayette was presented with a sword.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 105</ref>


===Conflict and imprisonment=== ===Conflict and imprisonment===
{{main|Reign of Terror}} {{main|Reign of Terror}}
In December 1791, Lafayette was placed in command of three armies formed on the eastern frontier to attack ]. In his absence, Paris became chaotic as ] engaged in riots, slaughtered the King's Swiss Guard and suspended the monarchy.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 360</ref> Lafayette decreed that their behavior was "Unconstitutional", and the Jacobins replied that Lafayette was involved in an attempt to assist ] and ] in a war against France.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 109</ref> He returned to Paris and the Assembly on 28 June and asked for the Jacobins to be outlawed. This was not permitted, and Lafayette moved to the ] palace in order to have the Guard protect the royal family. The Queen refused his aid, and Lafayette returned to ]. ] and the Committee of Surveillance constructed a ] at the ], and throughout September approximately 1,400 people were executed.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 362</ref> After Lafayette refused the offered French Presidency in return for giving up the King and the Constitution, the Jacobins asked him to relinquish command and return to Paris. Lafayette knew this meant his beheading, so he sought asylum in the United States. This did not happen, and on 19 August, while with a group of faithful supporters en route to the ] ,he was arrested by the Austrians and imprisoned at ], ].<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 114</ref> In December 1791, La Fayette was placed in command of three armies formed on the eastern frontier to attack ]. In his absence, Paris became chaotic as ] engaged in riots, slaughtered the King's Swiss Guard and suspended the monarchy.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 360</ref> La Fayette decreed that their behavior was "Unconstitutional", and the Jacobins replied that La Fayette was involved in an attempt to assist ] and ] in a war against France.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 109</ref> He returned to Paris and the Assembly on 28 June and asked for the Jacobins to be outlawed. This was not permitted, and Lafayette moved to the ] palace in order to have the Guard protect the royal family. The Queen refused his aid, and La Fayette returned to ]. ] and the Committee of Surveillance constructed a ] at the ], and throughout September approximately 1,400 people were executed.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 362</ref> After La Fayette refused the offered French Presidency in return for giving up the King and the Constitution, the Jacobins asked him to relinquish command and return to Paris. La Fayette knew this meant his beheading, so he sought asylum in the United States. This did not happen, and on 19 August, while with a group of faithful supporters en route to the ] ,he was arrested by the Austrians and imprisoned at ], ].<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 114</ref>
] ]
On 10 September 1792 soldiers led by Jacobins arrived at Adrienne's home, where she was arrested and later released. Their son Georges, who was hiding from fear of execution, was sent to the United States. Presently, many wives of Jacobin's enemies were divorcing their husbands, Adrienne did not do this. Instead, she sold her property and appealed to the Americans for assistance. For political reasons, the young nation could not officially assist the family, although they retroactively paid Lafayette $24,424 for his military service and Washington personally sent financial aid. As chaos grew in France, Adrienne was arrested by the Jacobins. The intention was for her to be tried and executed in Paris. However, first Gouvernor Morris saved her life from execution and later ] (who replaced Morris) was sent to intervene, which he did after repeated visits to the ]. Adrienne refused release at that time in order to focus attention toward her fellow prisoners who were left forgotten. On 22 January 1795 Adrienne was released.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', pages 410-416.</ref> On 10 September 1792 soldiers led by Jacobins arrived at Adrienne's home, where she was arrested and later released. Their son Georges, who was hiding from fear of execution, was sent to the United States. Presently, many wives of Jacobin's enemies were divorcing their husbands, Adrienne did not do this. Instead, she sold her property and appealed to the Americans for assistance. For political reasons, the young nation could not officially assist the family, although they retroactively paid La Fayette $24,424 for his military service and Washington personally sent financial aid. As chaos grew in France, Adrienne was arrested by the Jacobins. The intention was for her to be tried and executed in Paris. However, ] was sent to intervene, which he did successfully after repeated visits to the ]. On 22 January 1795 Adrienne was released.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', pages 410-416.</ref>


Adrienne then organized the family's finances and appealed to the United States for American passports. Georges' request was granted and he traveled to America. James Monroe secured passports for Adrienne from Hartford, Connecticut, which had granted the entire Lafayette family citizenship. She continued to ] and at an audience with Emperor ] she was told to leave or she and her two young daughters would be thrown into same dungeon with Lafayette in captivity.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page418</ref> Adrienne lived in his cell with him and finally, in September 1797, after five years imprisonment, ] released those four of five members of his family. This was at the request of the ] (then pro-Lafayette for a short period) and as a result of the ] drafted in 1797.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 129</ref> He was not allowed to return to France until 1799, after Napoleon's coup when Adrienne achieved permission for his return. On return, Lafayette, averse to serving in Napoleon's army, resigned his commission.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 141, 142</ref> Adrienne then organized the family's finances and appealed to the United States for American passports. Georges' request was granted and he traveled to America. James Monroe secured passports for Adrienne from Hartford, Connecticut, which had granted the entire La Fayette family citizenship. She continued to ] and at an audience with Emperor ] she was granted permission to live with La Fayette in captivity.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page418</ref> Adrienne lived in his cell with him and finally, in September 1797, after five years imprisonment, ] released the family. This was at the request of the ] and as a result of the ] drafted in 1797.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 129</ref> He was not allowed to return to France until 1799, after Napoleon's coup when Adrienne achieved permission for his return. On return, La Fayette, averse to serving in Napoleon's army, resigned his commission.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 141, 142</ref>


==Later life and death== ==Later life and death==
] commemorating Lafayette.]] ] commemorating La Fayette.]]
===Later life=== ===Later life===
Lafayette, from a promise not to interfere with Napoleon's government, stayed away ftom Paris. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor after a plebiscite in which Lafayette did not participate. For the next several years, he remained relatively quiet, although he spoke publicly on ] events.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 146</ref> After the ], Jefferson asked if he would be interested in filling the governor's seat, which Lafayette declined for a number of reasons, including personal problems and the need for liberty in France.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 147</ref> During a trip to ], Adrienne became ill. Due to her malady, worsened by the ] she fell sick with while in prison, she was unable to hide her anemia. By 1807, she was delirious, but by ] this subsided and she was able to gather the family around her bed and proclaim to Lafayette: "''Je suis toute a vous''" (translated: I am all yours). She died, apparently from lead poisoning complications, the next day, 25 December, 1807.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 150</ref><ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 438</ref> La Fayette felt that he would not be needed in Napoleon's government, thus he left Paris. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor after a plebiscite in which La Fayette did not participate. For the next several years, he remained relatively quiet, although he spoke publicly on ] events.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 146</ref> After the ], Jefferson asked if he would be interested in filling the governor's seat, which La Fayette declined for a number of reasons, including personal problems and the need for liberty in France.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 147</ref> During a trip to ], Adrienne became ill. Due to her malady, worsened by the ] she fell sick with in prison, she was unable to hide her anemia. By 1807, she was delirious, but by ] this subsided and she was able to gather the family around her bed and proclaim to La Fayette: "''Je suis toute a vous''" (translated: I am all yours). She died, apparently from lead poisoning complications, the next day, 25 December, 1807.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 150</ref><ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 438</ref>


President ] invited Lafayette to visit the United States from August 1824 to September 1825, in order to celebrate the nation's centenary.<ref name="Allies"/> During his visit, he would visit all of the American states and cover over {{convert|6000|mi|km|0}}.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 443</ref> Lafayette arrived from France at Staten Island, N.Y., on 15 August, 1824, to an artillery salute, a parade from ] and general adulation.<ref>. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 170</ref> The towns and cities he visited, including ], the first city of many named in his honor, gave him enthusiastic welcomes.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 443</ref> On 17 October, 1824, Lafayette visited Mount Vernon and George Washington's tomb. In late August 1825, he returned to Mount Vernon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Washington & Lafayette|author=Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens|url=http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/349/|work= Washington & Lafayette|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref>This unit decided to adopt the title ''National Guard'', in honor of Lafayette's celebrated Garde Nationale de Paris. The Battalion, later the ], was prominent in the line of march on the occasion of Lafayette's final passage through New York en route before returning home to France on the frigate ].<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 444</ref> Later in the trip, he received an honorary ] while attending the inaugural banquet of the ], at Jefferson's invitation. He was voted, by the ], the sum of $200,000 and a ] of land.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 177</ref> President ] invited La Fayette to visit the United States from August 1824 to September 1825, in order to celebrate the nation's centenary.<ref name="Allies"/> During his visit, he would visit all of the American states and cover over {{convert|6000|mi|km|0}}.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 443</ref> Lafayette arrived from France at Staten Island, N.Y., on 15 August, 1824, to an artillery salute, a parade from ] and general adulation.<ref>. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 170</ref> The towns and cities he visited, including ], the first city of many named in his honor, gave him enthusiastic welcomes.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 443</ref> On 17 October, 1824, La Fayette visited Mount Vernon and George Washington's tomb. In late August 1825, he returned to Mount Vernon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Washington & Lafayette|author=Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens|url=http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/349/|work= Washington & Lafayette|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref>This unit decided to adopt the title ''National Guard'', in honor of La Fayette's celebrated Garde Nationale de Paris. The Battalion, later the ], was prominent in the line of march on the occasion of La Fayette's final passage through New York en route before returning home to France on the frigate ].<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 444</ref> Later in the trip, he received an honorary ] while attending the inaugural banquet of the ], at Jefferson's invitation. He was voted, by the ], the sum of $200,000 and a ] of land.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayette, Man in the Middle'', page 177</ref>


As the restored monarchy of ] became more conservative, Lafayette reemerged as a prominent public figure. He had been a member of the ] from ] since 1815 and had pursued the abdication of Napoleon.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 427</ref><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayett, Man in the Middle'', page 162</ref> Throughout his legislative career he continued to endorse causes such as freedom of the press, suffrage for all taxpayers, the worldwide abolition of slavery, and other personal freedoms.<ref name="July Rev">Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 442-445</ref> He was not as directly visible in public affairs as in previous years, however he became more vocal in the events leading up to the ] of 1830.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayett, Man in the Middle'', page 188</ref> When the monarch proposed that theft from churches be a capital crime, agitation against the Crown inreased.<ref>Holbrook, page 188</ref> On 27 July, 1830, Parisians began erecting barricades throughout the city and riots erupted. Lafayette established a committee as interim government. On 29 July, 1830 Lafayette was asked to be dictator by the commission, however he demured to offer the crown to ]. Lafayette was reinstated as commander of the National Garde by the new monarch, who revoked the post after Lafayette called for the abolition of slavery.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 447</ref> As the restored monarchy of ] became more conservative, La Fayette reemerged as a prominent public figure. He had been a member of the ] from ] since 1815 and had pursued the abdication of Napoleon.<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 427</ref><ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayett, Man in the Middle'', page 162</ref> Throughout his legislative career he continued to endorse causes such as freedom of the press, suffrage for all taxpayers, the worldwide abolition of slavery, and other personal freedoms.<ref name="July Rev">Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 442-445</ref> He was not as directly visible in public affairs as in previous years, however he became more vocal in the events leading up to the ] of 1830.<ref>Holbrook, ''Lafayett, Man in the Middle'', page 188</ref> When the monarch proposed that theft from churches be a capital crime, agitation against the Crown inreased.<ref>Holbrook, page 188</ref> On 27 July, 1830, Parisians began erecting barricades throughout the city and riots erupted. La Fayette established a committee as interim government. On 29 July, 1830 La Fayette was asked to be dictator by the commission, however he demured to offer the crown to ]. La Fayette was reinstated as commander of the National Garde by the new monarch, who revoked the post after La Fayette called for the abolition of slavery.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 447</ref>


===Death=== ===Death===
] ]
Lafayette spoke for the last time in the Chamber of Deputies on 3 January, 1834. The winter was wet and cold, and the next month he would collapse at a funeral from ]. Although he recovered, the coming May was wet and, following a thunderstorm, he was bound to bed for the rest of his life.<ref>Payan, page 93</ref> On 20 May, 1834 Lafayette died. He was buried next to his wife at ], under soil brought back from ], which his son George would sprinkle upon him.<ref name="Death">Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 448</ref><ref name="boston">{{cite web |author=Kathleen McKenna |date=2007-06-10|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/06/10/on_bunker_hill_a_boost_in_lafayette_profile/ |title=On Bunker Hill, a boost in Lafayette profile |accessdate=2008-05-05 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="c2">Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 444</ref> King Louis-Phillipe ordered a military funeral, in order that the public not be allowed to attend. Crowds formed to protest their exclusion from Lafayette's funeral.<ref name="c2"/> La Fayette spoke for the last time in the Chamber of Deputies on 3 January, 1834. The winter was wet and cold, and the next month he would collapse at a funeral from ]. Although he recovered, the coming May was wet and, following a thunderstorm, he was bound to bed for the rest of his life.<ref>Payan, page 93</ref> On 20 May, 1834 La Fayette died. He was buried next to his wife at ], under soil brought back from ], which his son George would sprinkle upon him.<ref name="Death">Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 448</ref><ref name="boston">{{cite web |author=Kathleen McKenna |date=2007-06-10|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/06/10/on_bunker_hill_a_boost_in_lafayette_profile/ |title=On Bunker Hill, a boost in La Fayette profile |accessdate=2008-05-05 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="c2">Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 444</ref> King Louis-Phillipe ordered a military funeral, in order that the public not be allowed to attend. Crowds formed to protest their exclusion from La Fayette's funeral.<ref name="c2"/>


In the United States, President ] ordered that Lafayette be accorded the same funeral honours as John Adams and George Washington. Therefore, twenty-four gun salutes (one shot represented each of the then-American states) were fired from military posts and ships, flags flew at half mast for 35 days, and "military officers wore ] for six months".<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 448</ref><ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 448</ref> The ] hung black in chambers and asked the entire country to dress in black for the next 30 days.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 449</ref> In the United States, President ] ordered that La Fayette be accorded the same funeral honours as John Adams and George Washington. Therefore, twenty-four gun salutes (one shot represented each of the then-American states) were fired from military posts and ships, flags flew at half mast for 35 days, and "military officers wore ] for six months".<ref>Gaines, ''For Liberty and Glory'', page 448</ref><ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 448</ref> The ] hung black in chambers and asked the entire country to dress in black for the next 30 days.<ref>Clary, ''Adopted Son'', page 449</ref>


===Legacy=== ===Legacy===
Although he spent a total of less than five years in America (in 1777-79,<ref name="Friends"/> 1780-81, 1784 and 1824-25), he received, perhaps, more commemoration and admiration there than any other foreign visitor in American history. Lafayette was commemorated with a monument in ] (built in 1917) and by a reconstruction of the frigate ''Hermione'', in which Lafayette returned to America on, located in ], ].<ref name="parks">{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=13307|title=GENERAL LAFAYETTE |date=2002-03-07 |accessdate=2008-08-11 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |author=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=L'Hermione|author=Robert Kalbach|url=http://hermione.free.fr/english/rebuild.html|publisher=L’association Hermione-Lafayette|work= L'Hermione|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> Portraits display Washington and Lafayette in the chamber of the ].<ref name="govtrack">{{cite web |url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/record.xpd?id=110-h20070522-29 |title=House Record: Honoring General Lafayette On The Occasion Of The 250th Anniversary Of His Birth: Section 29 |date=2007-05-22 |accessdate=2008-08-11 |publisher=GovTrack.us |author=Ike Skelton}}</ref> Although he spent a total of less than five years in America (in 1777-79,<ref name="Friends"/> 1780-81, 1784 and 1824-25), he received, perhaps, more commemoration and admiration there than any other foreign visitor in American history. La Fayette was commemorated with a monument in ] (built in 1917) and by a reconstruction of the frigate ''Hermione'', in which La Fayette returned to America on, located in ], ].<ref name="parks">{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=13307|title=MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE |date=2002-03-07 |accessdate=2008-08-11 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |author=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=L'Hermione|author=Robert Kalbach|url=http://hermione.free.fr/english/rebuild.html|publisher=L’association Hermione-La Fayette|work= L'Hermione|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> Portraits display Washington and La Fayette in the chamber of the ].<ref name="govtrack">{{cite web |url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/record.xpd?id=110-h20070522-29 |title=House Record: Honoring The Marquis De Lafayette On The Occasion Of The 250th Anniversary Of His Birth: Section 29 |date=2007-05-22 |accessdate=2008-08-11 |publisher=GovTrack.us |author=Ike Skelton}}</ref>


The ]<ref></ref> was established by U.S. Representative ], a ] veteran, as an American hereditary order that promotes commemoration of Americans who fought in France and Franco-American friendship. He has twice been granted ] by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0104/lafayette_legacy.html|author=Patricia Molen Van EE|format=HTML|language=English|work=|accessdate=2008-04-14|title=Lafayette's Travels in America Documented}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sinclair2.quarterman.org/archive/2002/06/msg00123.html|title=General Lafeyette|work=|accessdate=2008-08-14|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://diglib.princeton.edu/ead/eadGetDoc.xq?xsl=/ead/xsl/ead2005.pdf&id=/ead/mss/C1105.EAD.xml&mime=.pdf|format=PDF|language=English|title=General Lafayette Collection, 1781-1834: Finding Aid|work=|accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ209.107|format=TXT|language=English|title=Joint Resolution|author=107th Congress|work=United States Government Printing Office|accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref> For his honor and Legacy many cities in the United states bear the name ] or ]. The ]<ref></ref> was established by U.S. Representative ], a ] veteran, as an American hereditary order that promotes commemoration of Americans who fought in France and Franco-American friendship. He has twice been granted ] by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0104/lafayette_legacy.html|author=Patricia Molen Van EE|format=HTML|language=English|work=|accessdate=2008-04-14|title=Lafayette's Travels in America Documented}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sinclair2.quarterman.org/archive/2002/06/msg00123.html|title=the Marquis de Lafeyette|work=|accessdate=2008-08-14|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://diglib.princeton.edu/ead/eadGetDoc.xq?xsl=/ead/xsl/ead2005.pdf&id=/ead/mss/C1105.EAD.xml&mime=.pdf|format=PDF|language=English|title=Marquis de Lafayette Collection, 1781-1834: Finding Aid|work=|accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ209.107|format=TXT|language=English|title=Joint Resolution|author=107th Congress|work=United States Government Printing Office|accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref> For his honor and Legacy many cities in the United states bear the name ] or ].
In 1824, the ] named in his honor ], immediately north of the ] in ] Two years later in 1826, ] was chartered in ]. In 1824, the ] named in his honor ], immediately north of the ] in ] Two years later in 1826, ] was chartered in ].


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*{{cite book|title=Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution|author=David A Clary|publisher=]|date=2007|location=]|isbn=978055338345|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=cgGgAAAACAAJ&dq=adopted+son&ei=cd-dSLuoGo3wjAHH76T6BA}} *{{cite book|title=Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution|author=David A Clary|publisher=]|date=2007|location=]|isbn=978055338345|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=cgGgAAAACAAJ&dq=adopted+son&ei=cd-dSLuoGo3wjAHH76T6BA}}
*{{cite book|author=Maurice de La Fuye|coauthor= Émile Albert Babeau|title=The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette|location=New York|publisher=Thomas Yoseloff, Inc.|date=1956|isbn=9780801055553|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=0bQ7AAAAMAAJ&q=The+Apostle+of+Liberty:+A+Life+of+Lafayette&dq=The+Apostle+of+Liberty:+A+Life+of+Lafayette&ei=G2mgSO7PB4XciQH8qKH6BA&pgis=1}} *{{cite book|author=Maurice de La Fuye|coauthor= Émile Albert Babeau|title=The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette|location=New York|publisher=Thomas Yoseloff, Inc.|date=1956|isbn=9780801055553|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=0bQ7AAAAMAAJ&q=The+Apostle+of+Liberty:+A+Life+of+Lafayette&dq=The+Apostle+of+Liberty:+A+Life+of+Lafayette&ei=G2mgSO7PB4XciQH8qKH6BA&pgis=1}}
*{{cite book|title=For Liberty and Glory: Washington, Lafayette, and Their Revolutions|author=James R. Gaines|publisher=W.W. Norton & Co.|date=2007|isbn=9780393061383|pages=p.&nbsp;33|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=gOD2fRZcqJQC&dq=for+liberty+and+glory&ei=ufadSN-mCZX4iQGd78n6BA}} *{{cite book|title=For Liberty and Glory: Washington, La Fayette, and Their Revolutions|author=James R. Gaines|publisher=W.W. Norton & Co.|date=2007|isbn=9780393061383|pages=p.&nbsp;33|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=gOD2fRZcqJQC&dq=for+liberty+and+glory&ei=ufadSN-mCZX4iQGd78n6BA}}
*{{Cite book|author= Noel B. Gerson|title=Statue in Search of a Pedestal: a Biography of General Lafayette|location=New York|publisher= Dodd, Mead & Company|date=1976|isbn=9780396073413|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=KY-dAAAACAAJ&dq=Statue+in+Search+of+a+Pedestal:+a+Biography+of+the+Marquis+de+La+Fayette&ei=O1GgSNyCE4uCjwHJrp36BA}} *{{Cite book|author= Noel B. Gerson|title=Statue in Search of a Pedestal: a Biography of the Marquis de La Fayette|location=New York|publisher= Dodd, Mead & Company|date=1976|isbn=9780396073413|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=KY-dAAAACAAJ&dq=Statue+in+Search+of+a+Pedestal:+a+Biography+of+the+Marquis+de+La+Fayette&ei=O1GgSNyCE4uCjwHJrp36BA}}
*{{cite book|title=Forgotten Allies, The Oneida Indians and the American Revolution|author=Joseph T. Glatthaar, James Kirby Martin|date=2007|publisher=]|isbn=9780809046003|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=J777rlgcm9sC&dq=marquis+de+lafayette&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0}} *{{cite book|title=Forgotten Allies, The Oneida Indians and the American Revolution|author=Joseph T. Glatthaar, James Kirby Martin|date=2007|publisher=]|isbn=9780809046003|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=J777rlgcm9sC&dq=marquis+de+lafayette&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0}}
*{{cite book|title=Lafayette, Man in the Middle|author=Sabra Holbrook|date=1977|publisher=]|isbn=0689305850|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=UXdKAAAACAAJ&dq=lafayette+man+in+the+middle&ei=UQeeSIGQHqaijgGGp4SaBQ}} *{{cite book|title=Lafayette, Man in the Middle|author=Sabra Holbrook|date=1977|publisher=]|isbn=0689305850|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=UXdKAAAACAAJ&dq=lafayette+man+in+the+middle&ei=UQeeSIGQHqaijgGGp4SaBQ}}
*{{cite book |title=Memoirs of Gilbert Motier Lafayette |author=Henri Lafayette Villaume Ducoudray Holstein |publisher=Charles Wiley |pages=pp. 303 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=HcgEAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA303&dq= |accessdate=2008-08-11 |origyear=1824}} *{{cite book |title=Memoirs of Gilbert Motier La Fayette |author=Henri La Fayette Villaume Ducoudray Holstein |publisher=Charles Wiley |pages=pp. 303 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=HcgEAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA303&dq= |accessdate=2008-08-11 |origyear=1824}}
*{{cite book|title=A Concise History of the French Revolution|author=Sylvia Neely|date=2008|publisher=Rowman & Littlefiel|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=fccjTyOQiYwC&dq=lafayette+and+declaration+the+rights+of+man&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0|isbn=0742534111}} *{{cite book|title=A Concise History of the French Revolution|author=Sylvia Neely|date=2008|publisher=Rowman & Littlefiel|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=fccjTyOQiYwC&dq=lafayette+and+declaration+the+rights+of+man&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0|isbn=0742534111}}
*{{cite book|title=General Lafayette:French Hero of the American Revolution|first=Gregory|last=Payan|isbn=0823957330|publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group|date=2002|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=cV454kuJiHMC&dq=payan+la+fayette&ei=GmCnSLmLC4OAjwHr_aj7BA}} *{{cite book|title=Marquis de Lafayette:French Hero of the American Revolution|first=Gregory|last=Payan|isbn=0823957330|publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group|date=2002|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=cV454kuJiHMC&dq=payan+la+fayette&ei=GmCnSLmLC4OAjwHr_aj7BA}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/934/000049787/|title=General Lafayette|format=HTML|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=NNDB}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/934/000049787/|title=Marquis de Lafayette|format=HTML|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=NNDB}}
*{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= In Love with a Word | date= August 6, 1956| publisher= Time | url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,862351,00.html | work = Time Magazine| pages = | accessdate = 2008-08-11 |}} *{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= In Love with a Word | date= August 6, 1956| publisher= Time | url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,862351,00.html | work = Time Magazine| pages = | accessdate = 2008-08-11 |}}


Revision as of 07:31, 18 August 2008

Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette
BuriedPicpus Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
France
RankFile:Brigadier-general insignia.png Brigadier General
Maréchal de camp
Battles / warsAmerican Revolutionary War
Battle of Brandywine
Battle of Gloucester
Battle of Barren Hill
Battle of Monmouth
Battle of Rhode Island
Siege of Yorktown
RelationsUncle: Jacques-Roch
Other workPolitician
Estates General (Auvergne)
Member of the National Assembly

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de la Fayette (6 September, 1757 – 20 May, 1834) was a French military officer born the Haute-Loire region of France. La Fayette was a general in the American Revolutionary War and a leader of the Garde Nationale during the French Revolution.

In the American Revolution, La Fayette served in the Continental Army under George Washington, whom La Fayette considered a mentor and friend. While serving in the Revolutionary War, he was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine and organized a successful retreat. He served with distinction in the Battle of Rhode Island, ameliorating French and American relationships after the French fleet departed. In the middle of the war, he returned to France to negotiate an augmented French commitment to the war. Upon his return, he blocked Cornwallis' troops at Yorktown, while Washington and Rochambeau arrived. He supported the emancipation of slaves and was a member of the French Society of the Friends of the Blacks, which aimed to abolish the slave trade.

La Fayette returned to France and in 1788 was called to the Assembly of Notables to respond to the nation's fiscal crisis. La Fayette proposed a meeting of the French Estates-General, where representatives from the three traditional classes of French society, the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners would meet. He would serve as Vice President of the body. La Fayette advocated adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which he had partly written with Thomas Jefferson. La Fayette was appointed commander-in-chief of the French National Guarde in response to violence leading up to the French Revolution. During the Revolution, La Fayette attempted to control order, for which he ultimately was persecuted by the Jacobins. In 1791, he was captured by Austrians and served nearly five years in prison.

For his contributions in the American Revolution, many cities and monuments throughout the United States have been given his name, and he was the first to be granted Honorary Citizenship to the United States.

Early life

Young Marquis de La Fayette

Ancestry

The Marquis de La Fayette (née Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de la Fayette) was born in Chavagnac, France on 6 September, 1757, at the Château de Chavaniac, near Le Puy-en-Velay, Haute-Loire. His full name is rarely used, instead he is referred to as the Marquis de la Fayette or in the United States as General Lafayette. He came from a line of soldiers like marshal of France Gilbert de La Fayette III who led Joan of Arc's army and legend tells an ancestor acquired the Crown of Thorns during the 6th Crusade. As a soldier, La Fayette's uncle, Jacques-Roch died fighting the Austrians, thus leaving the marquis title to La Fayette's father. From a long line of orphans, La Fayette also lost both of his parents at a young age. His father died on 1 August 1759, during the Seven Years War at the Battle of Minden in Germany, where he was shot by a British cannonball. On 3 April 1770, La Fayette's mother died and subsequently after on 24 April his grandfather died bequeathing him with an income of 25,000 livres, augmented upon the death of an uncle, leaving the thirteen year old La Fayette a yearly sum of 120,000 livres. La Fayette was raised by his paternal grandmother, Madame de Chavaniac, Madeleine de Motier and Charlotte Guèrin. His grandmother would tell him stories of his father's death, advising to dislike the English.

Education and marriage

He was educated by his aunt and two priests, including the Abbe Fayon, Curé de Saint-Roch de Chavaniac. His learning focused on reading, mathematics and writing, with focus on the Roman Republic, including the works of Livy, Tacitus and Plutarch. In 1768, La Fayette's grandfather desired the young man to travel to the Palais du Luxembourg in Paris in order that he be introduced to society. At age 11, he entered the Collège du Plessis, a school for nobleman's children which emphasized Latin and the Greek and Roman civilizations. On 9 April 1771 La Fayette was commissioned as a sous-lieutenant in the elite Mousqetaires. As a young, wealthy nobleman, the fifteen year-old La Fayette attracted numerous marriage proposals, however it was the Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles (2 November 1759 – 24 December 1807) whom he married. She was the daughter of Jean-Paul-François, 5th duc de Noailles, from one of the most prosperous families. The marriage was arranged, with the contract stipulating that neither would be aware of the agreement until after the completion of their educations'. Marie Adrienne's mother, the duchesse d'Ayen, organized for the two to meet "as if by accident". A success, the two shared an immediate mutual attraction. On 14 March 1774 the marriage contract was signed by Louis XV and the two married on 11 April. with La Fayette's father in law giving the youth command of a company in the Noailles Dragoons and the rank of captain.

Departure from France

Joining the American war

In 1775 La Fayette partook in his unit's annual training event in Metz, where he would meet Charles-François, comte de Broglie, the Army of the East's commander and a senior superior. De Broglie invited the young La Fayette to join the Freemasons and the American Revolutionary War became a popular topic amongst the Lodge's members. When the Duke of Gloucester, King George III's brother and colonial policy critic, traveled through the region, he was invited to dinner with de Broglie and his men. La Fayette would write in his memoirs that at this dinner he "...first learned of that quarrel, my heart was enlisted and I thought only of joining the colors." La Fayette returned to Paris in the fall and participated in sociétés de penseé (French: thinking groups), where the topic of French involvement in the American Revolution was frequent. A common speaker to these groups was Abbe Guillaume Raynal who criticized the nobility, clergy and slavery. Although the monarchy banned him from speaking, he was able to espouse his views secretly in the Masonic Lodges of which La Fayette was a member. Through Raynal, La Fayette first heard of the "rights of man".

On 7 December 1776 La Fayette made an arrangement through Silas Deane, an American agent in Paris, to enter the American service as a major general. La Fayette's father-in-law did not support his traveling to America, so he had him appointed to a post in Britain. This was brief, as La Fayette refused to toast King George. In 1777 the French government granted the American military 1 million livres in supplies, a product of Minister Charles Gravier's avocation for French involvement. De Broglie, met German Johann de Kalb, an American sympathizer, who explained the American situation. Following this meeting de Broglie approached Gravier, suggesting assistance to the American revolutionaries. De Broglie then presented La Fayette, who had been placed on the reserve list, to Johann Kalb.

Second Departure from France

Upon returning to Paris, La Fayette found that the Continental Congress did not have the money for his voyage, hence he himself paid for the cost the ship La Victoire. Even the king had to "officially" forbid his leaving after British spies discovered his plan. At the request of the British ambassador, orders were issued to seize the ship La Fayette was fitting out at Bordeaux and to have La Fayette arrested. He eluded capture disguised as a courier and traveled to Spain. On 20 April 1777 he sailed for America with 11 companions, missing a farewell to his pregnant wife. The ship's captain carried $8,000 worth of cargo destined for the West Indies. La Fayette, fearful of arrest, bought the cargo in order that the ship not sail to the islands. Following pursuit by two British ships, he landed safely on North Island near Georgetown, South Carolina, on 13 June 1777 after a voyage of nearly two months.

American Revolution

Washington and La Fayette at Valley Forge

Upon arrival, La Fayette met with Major Benjamin Huger, with whom he stayed for two weeks before their departure to Philadelphia. La Fayette remarked in letters home of his experience, noting the "simplicity of manner ... love of country and liberty, the delightful equality that reigns everywhere." After a thirty-two day journey, waited four days for the Continental Congress to declare, on 31 July 1777, "that his services be accepted and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of major-general of the United States. He was not assigned a unit. Due to this, La Fayette nearly returned home. However, Benjamin Franklin penned a letter to George Washington requesting that he accept La Fayette as his aide-de-camp, in order that this action may influence France to commit more aid to the American war.

Washington accepted and soon after, La Fayette met him at Moland Headquarters 10 August 1777. In reply to a comment from Washington that he was embarrassed to show a French officer the state of their camp and troops, La Fayette responded, "I am here to learn, not to teach." Thus, he became a member of Washington's staff, although confusion existed regarding his status. The Congress regarded his commission as honorary, while he considered himself a full-fledged commander who would be given control of a division when Washington deemed him prepared. To address this, Washington told La Fayette that a division would not be possible as he was of foreign birth, however Washington said that he would be happy to hold him in confidence as "friend and father". Both men would regard this as their "great conversation".

Brandywine and Albany

La Fayette wounded at the battle of Brandywine

La Fayette's first battle was the loss at Brandywine on 11 September 1777. After the British outflanked the Americans, Washington acquiesced to a request by La Fayette to join General John Sullivan. Upon his arrival, La Fayette went with the Third Pennsylvania Bridge, under Brigadier Thomas Conway and attempted to rally the unit to face the attack. In face of the British and Hessian superiority, La Fayette was shot in the leg. During the American retreat, before being treated for his wound, La Fayette created a control point allowing a more orderly retreat. Following the battle, he was cited by George Washington for "bravery and military ardour" and was recommended for the command of a division in a letter to the congress on 1 November.

After two months of repair, La Fayette was well enough to return to the field and assisted General Nathanael Greene in reconnaissance of British positions in New Jersey. With 300 soldiers he defeated a numerically superior Hessian force in Gloucester on 24 November 1777. He returned to Valley Forge for the winter, where he was asked by the War Board, headed by General Horatio Gates, to travel to Albany, New York where he would lead troops preparing for an invasion of Canada. Gates was capitalizing on his success in the Battle of Saratoga in order to remove Washington from command and this plan included separating him from La Fayette. La Fayette awaited the coming approval from Washington before departing for Albany, where he found the men insufficient to mount a Canadian invasion. La Fayette wrote Washington of the situation and made plans to return to Valley Forge. Before his departure, he was able to recruit the Oneida tribe, who referred to La Fayette as Kayewla which means fearsome horsemen, to the American side.

La Fayette returned to Valley Forge and Gates' plan to assume control of the Army was halted. Meanwhile, in March 1778, treaties signed by America and France were made public and France formally recognized American independence.

Barren Hill, Monmouth and Rhode Island

In reply to the French entrance into the war, the British withdrew from Philadelphia and General Howe sent 5,000 soldiers to attack La Fayette, hoping to capture him for his political value. On 20 May 1778 La Fayette was warned of the impending attack and in an attempt to feign numerical superiority, he ordered that a few men appear from the woods, on an outcropping known as Battle of Barren Hill (present day Lafayette Hill) periodically to fire upon the British. La Fayette was then able to cross Matson's Ford with the remainder of his force. As the British evacuated their force north, the Continental Army attacked at the Monmouth Courthouse with La Fayette present.

The French fleet arrived in America on 8 July 1778, under Admiral d'Estaing, with whom General Washington planned to attack Newport, Rhode Island. La Fayette and General Nathanael Greene were sent with a 3,000 man force to participate in the attack. La Fayette aimed to control a joint Franco-American force in the attack, but was rebuffed. On 9 August the American force attacked the British without consulting D'Estaing. Afterwards when the Americans asked the Admiral to leave his fleet in Narragansett Bay, he demurred and attacked the British under Lord Howe. D'Estaing's successfully saw the removal of the British fleet, but at the expense of his ships weathering a battering storm.

D'Estaing moved his damaged ships north to Boston for repairs. As a result, Bostonians rioted against the French fleet, considering his departure from Newport a desertion. John Hancock and La Fayette were dispatched to calm the situation, which they did successfully. La Fayette then returned to Newport to prepare for retreat, which was needed due to D'Estaing's exit. For these events, La Fayette was cited by the Continental Congress for "gallantry, skill and prudence", however he realized that the Boston riot would reflect poorly on the Franco-American alliance in France. Therefore, he asked and was given permission to return to France.

Return to France

In February 1779, La Fayette returned to Paris. La Fayette had acted against the King's wishes when leaving the country and was thus placed under house arrest for two weeks. Nevertheless, his return was triumphant. He was presented by Benjamin Franklin's grandson with a 4,800 livre gold-encrusted sword commissioned by the Continental Congress and the King requested to see him. The King reacted well to the returned soldier and placed him back in the dragoons after La Fayette proposed various schemes of attacking the British. La Fayette utilized his new position to lobby for added French aid to the America. While working in conjunction with Franklin he was able to negotiate 6,000 soldiers who were to be commanded by General Jean Baptiste de Rochambeau.

On 24 December 1779 La Fayette received news that Adrienne had bore him a son, whom he would name George-Washington La Fayette. After his son's birth, the young general spent the remainder of his time in France pushing for additional commitments. He also ordered new uniforms for the soldiers and prepared arrangements for the fleet's departure. Before returning to America, La Fayette and the French force had their status objectified: they would be operating under American forces, which would allow Washington control over the military operation. In March 1780, La Fayette left a saddened Adrienne and departed for the Americas aboard the Hermione.

Virginia and Yorktown

A map of key sites in the Battle of Yorktown

Returning to the war zone, La Fayette defended Richmond, Virginia, from Benedict Arnold. After days of skirmishing, Arnold and Charles Cornwallis crossed paths and effected a juncture of their units. In June, Cornwallis received orders from London to proceed to the Chesapeake Bay and oversee the construction of a port, leaving La Fayette and inland Virginia. As the British column traveled in July, La Fayette boldly followed behind him, a show of force that encouraged new recruits. By August, Cornwallis established the British at Yorktown, and La Fayette took up position on Malvern Hill, which trapped the British when the French Fleet arrived.

On 14 September 1781 Washington approached La Fayette's camp, and the two happily met one another. La Fayette had held the British at Yorktown as the supplies and troops arrived for the American and French forces. On the 28th, the men neared Yorktown and began preparations for the siege. With the French fleet blockading the British, the combined forces began to attack. La Fayette's detail was the right end of the American wing whose 400 men took redoubt 10, in hand to hand combat. After a failed British counterattack, Cornwallis surrendered on 19 October 1781 under a combined volley.

After the Revolution

La Fayette returned to France on 18 January 1781, where he was welcomed as a hero and witnessed the birth of his daughter whom he named Virginie upon Thomas Jefferson's recommendation. He was promoted to maréchal de camp, skipping numerous ranks. La Fayette then helped prepare for a combined French and Spanish expedition against the British West India Islands, of which he was appointed chief-of-staff. The armistice signed on 20 January 1783, between the countries put a stop to the expedition.

La Fayette and Washington at Mt. Vernon, 1784

At Washington's invitation, in 1784, La Fayette went to Mount Vernon and visited with Washington multiple times. They both exchanged gifts before La Fayette sailed from New York back to France in December. It would be the final time they would see each other.

When La Fayette departed for his home country, he took with him views he formed in the United States, which he would work to further in France. Although La Fayette had initially viewed slaves as property and, following a meeting with American spy James Armistead, advocated for their use as soldiers, during the revolution, this view changed. Sources debate when he became an abolitionist, however when he returned to France, he was actively involved in the French abolitionist group, Society of the Friends of the Blacks. In 1786, started freeing his slaves who worked on his land in the French colony of Cayenne and he often vocalized to his American colleagues his objections to the practice.

French Revolution

Assembly of Notables and Estates-General

Main article: French Revolution
Declaration of the Rights of Man, written with the help of La Fayette and Thomas Jefferson

In France, La Fayette spent his initial days organizing trade agreements between the United States and France, with the assistance of Thomas Jefferson. These agreements included commitments on tobacco and whale oil, aimed at reducing the debt owed France by the nascent America. La Fayette would also return to the new nation and traveled to eleven states, to provide the Congress with news of trade negotiations. This trip included a visit to Washington's farm on Mount Vernon, where Martha Washington gave him smoked hams for his wife; an honorary degree from Harvard; a meeting with the Oneida Indians; a portrait of Washington from the city of Boston; and a bust from the state of Virginia.

In February 1788, the King called the Assembly of Notables for the first time since 1626. The purpose was to discuss France's fiscal crisis. During the meeting, La Fayette proposed an Assembly of the French Estates-General, which would be a representation of the three different classes in society: the Clergy, the Nobility and the Commons. In 1789, La Fayette was elected to the Estates-General. In preparation, La Fayette worked with Thomas Jefferson on a document called the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which was similar to the Bill of Rights, noting the inalienable rights of "liberty, property, safety and resistance to opression."

When the Estates General convened on 5 May 1789, La Fayette was a member of the Second Estate, that of the Nobles. When King Louis XVI was confronted with difficulties of the Estates General, he closed the meeting room of the Third Estate, which rather than forcing a halt to their assembly, led them to meet in the Tennis Court. This new group would call themselves the National Assembly and declared themselves the governing body in France. On 11 July 1789, he presented the document he had brought with him, his Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens. The next day, in response to the dismissal of Finance Minister Jacques Necker, Camille Desmoulins organized a mob to arms. In response, the Assembly authorized a National Guard, appointing La Fayette as commander and elected him vice-president of the Assembly. The following day, on 14 July 1789, the Bastille was stormed.

National Guard

La Fayette orders his soldiers to fire on members of the Cordeliers

After hearing the news about the Bastille, La Fayette raced into Paris as a mob attacked a priest. La Fayette walked onto the balcony of city hall, which overlooked the mob and held his son aloft saying, "I have the honor to introduce my son." The mob's attention diverted, the priest was brought to safety. La Fayette proposed plans to have a demanding schedule for the soldiers of the National Guard to the Commune of Paris. During this meeting, he brought a red, white and blue cockade with him. These colors would become the basis for the French flag.

In the Constituent Assembly he pleaded for religious tolerance, popular representation, the establishment of trial by jury, the gradual emancipation of slaves, freedom of the press, the abolition of arbitrary imprisonment and of titles of nobility and the suppression of privileged orders. They also debated a veto measure, which would have allowed the King to bar any law passed by the Assembly. The agreement appeared reasonable until Louis XVI declined to ratify the Declaration of Rights. In response, a mob moved to Versailles to meet the royal family. La Fayette awoke the King and replaced his guards with National Guardsmen who were later shot by the mob. La Fayette then took the queen onto the balcony to confront the crowd, after which the King and Queen entered captivity.

La Fayette took a prominent part in the Fête de la Fédération of 14 July 1790, the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. After suppressing a riot in April 1791 he resigned his commission and was compelled to retain it. On 20 June 1791, an unsuccessful plot enfolded nearly allowing the King to escape. La Fayette, the leader of the National Guard, was responsible for their custody. Although he made moves for their arrest he was blamed publicly by Danton for the mishap and called a "traitor" to the people by Maximilien Robespierre. This portrayed La Fayette as a royalist.

On 17 July La Fayette was fired upon by the crowd after Danton read the proposed Constitution, after a crowd beheaded two vagrants, at the Champ de Mars. The guardsmen retaliated by firing into the crowd. Martial law was ordered by Jean-Sylvain Bailly, the Mayor of Paris and the crowd was ordered to disperse. When they did not, La Fayette ordered the National Guard to open fire and arrest the assassins in the crowd. About 50 people were killed in what became known as the Massacre of the Champ de Mars, which decisively marked the end of the alliance between constitutional monarchists and radicals like Jean-Paul Marat and Georges Danton. The situation appeared to cool after the King signed the new Constitution on 13 September, and La Fayette was presented with a sword.

Conflict and imprisonment

Main article: Reign of Terror

In December 1791, La Fayette was placed in command of three armies formed on the eastern frontier to attack Austria. In his absence, Paris became chaotic as Jacobins engaged in riots, slaughtered the King's Swiss Guard and suspended the monarchy. La Fayette decreed that their behavior was "Unconstitutional", and the Jacobins replied that La Fayette was involved in an attempt to assist Prussia and Austria in a war against France. He returned to Paris and the Assembly on 28 June and asked for the Jacobins to be outlawed. This was not permitted, and Lafayette moved to the Tuileries palace in order to have the Guard protect the royal family. The Queen refused his aid, and La Fayette returned to Metz. Marat and the Committee of Surveillance constructed a guillotine at the Place du Carrousel, and throughout September approximately 1,400 people were executed. After La Fayette refused the offered French Presidency in return for giving up the King and the Constitution, the Jacobins asked him to relinquish command and return to Paris. La Fayette knew this meant his beheading, so he sought asylum in the United States. This did not happen, and on 19 August, while with a group of faithful supporters en route to the Dutch Republic ,he was arrested by the Austrians and imprisoned at Wesel, Prussia.

Portrait of General La Fayette (by Matthew Harris) in 1825

On 10 September 1792 soldiers led by Jacobins arrived at Adrienne's home, where she was arrested and later released. Their son Georges, who was hiding from fear of execution, was sent to the United States. Presently, many wives of Jacobin's enemies were divorcing their husbands, Adrienne did not do this. Instead, she sold her property and appealed to the Americans for assistance. For political reasons, the young nation could not officially assist the family, although they retroactively paid La Fayette $24,424 for his military service and Washington personally sent financial aid. As chaos grew in France, Adrienne was arrested by the Jacobins. The intention was for her to be tried and executed in Paris. However, James Monroe was sent to intervene, which he did successfully after repeated visits to the Directory. On 22 January 1795 Adrienne was released.

Adrienne then organized the family's finances and appealed to the United States for American passports. Georges' request was granted and he traveled to America. James Monroe secured passports for Adrienne from Hartford, Connecticut, which had granted the entire La Fayette family citizenship. She continued to Vienna and at an audience with Emperor Francis II she was granted permission to live with La Fayette in captivity. Adrienne lived in his cell with him and finally, in September 1797, after five years imprisonment, Napoleon released the family. This was at the request of the Directory and as a result of the Treaty of Campo Formio drafted in 1797. He was not allowed to return to France until 1799, after Napoleon's coup when Adrienne achieved permission for his return. On return, La Fayette, averse to serving in Napoleon's army, resigned his commission.

Later life and death

A U.S. Postage Stamp commemorating La Fayette.

Later life

La Fayette felt that he would not be needed in Napoleon's government, thus he left Paris. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor after a plebiscite in which La Fayette did not participate. For the next several years, he remained relatively quiet, although he spoke publicly on Bastille Day events. After the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson asked if he would be interested in filling the governor's seat, which La Fayette declined for a number of reasons, including personal problems and the need for liberty in France. During a trip to Auvergne, Adrienne became ill. Due to her malady, worsened by the scurvy she fell sick with in prison, she was unable to hide her anemia. By 1807, she was delirious, but by Christmas Eve this subsided and she was able to gather the family around her bed and proclaim to La Fayette: "Je suis toute a vous" (translated: I am all yours). She died, apparently from lead poisoning complications, the next day, 25 December, 1807.

President James Monroe invited La Fayette to visit the United States from August 1824 to September 1825, in order to celebrate the nation's centenary. During his visit, he would visit all of the American states and cover over 6,000 miles (9,656 km). Lafayette arrived from France at Staten Island, N.Y., on 15 August, 1824, to an artillery salute, a parade from West Point and general adulation. The towns and cities he visited, including Fayetteville, North Carolina, the first city of many named in his honor, gave him enthusiastic welcomes. On 17 October, 1824, La Fayette visited Mount Vernon and George Washington's tomb. In late August 1825, he returned to Mount Vernon.This unit decided to adopt the title National Guard, in honor of La Fayette's celebrated Garde Nationale de Paris. The Battalion, later the 7th Regiment, was prominent in the line of march on the occasion of La Fayette's final passage through New York en route before returning home to France on the frigate USS Brandywine. Later in the trip, he received an honorary United States citizenship while attending the inaugural banquet of the University of Virginia, at Jefferson's invitation. He was voted, by the U.S. Congress, the sum of $200,000 and a township of land.

As the restored monarchy of Charles X became more conservative, La Fayette reemerged as a prominent public figure. He had been a member of the Chamber of Deputies from Seine-et-Marne since 1815 and had pursued the abdication of Napoleon. Throughout his legislative career he continued to endorse causes such as freedom of the press, suffrage for all taxpayers, the worldwide abolition of slavery, and other personal freedoms. He was not as directly visible in public affairs as in previous years, however he became more vocal in the events leading up to the July Revolution of 1830. When the monarch proposed that theft from churches be a capital crime, agitation against the Crown inreased. On 27 July, 1830, Parisians began erecting barricades throughout the city and riots erupted. La Fayette established a committee as interim government. On 29 July, 1830 La Fayette was asked to be dictator by the commission, however he demured to offer the crown to Louis-Phillipe. La Fayette was reinstated as commander of the National Garde by the new monarch, who revoked the post after La Fayette called for the abolition of slavery.

Death

Monument to La Fayette in Paris

La Fayette spoke for the last time in the Chamber of Deputies on 3 January, 1834. The winter was wet and cold, and the next month he would collapse at a funeral from pneumonia. Although he recovered, the coming May was wet and, following a thunderstorm, he was bound to bed for the rest of his life. On 20 May, 1834 La Fayette died. He was buried next to his wife at Cimetière de Picpus, under soil brought back from Bunker Hill, which his son George would sprinkle upon him. King Louis-Phillipe ordered a military funeral, in order that the public not be allowed to attend. Crowds formed to protest their exclusion from La Fayette's funeral.

In the United States, President Andrew Jackson ordered that La Fayette be accorded the same funeral honours as John Adams and George Washington. Therefore, twenty-four gun salutes (one shot represented each of the then-American states) were fired from military posts and ships, flags flew at half mast for 35 days, and "military officers wore crape for six months". The United States Congress hung black in chambers and asked the entire country to dress in black for the next 30 days.

Legacy

Although he spent a total of less than five years in America (in 1777-79, 1780-81, 1784 and 1824-25), he received, perhaps, more commemoration and admiration there than any other foreign visitor in American history. La Fayette was commemorated with a monument in New York City (built in 1917) and by a reconstruction of the frigate Hermione, in which La Fayette returned to America on, located in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France. Portraits display Washington and La Fayette in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Order of Lafayette was established by U.S. Representative Hamilton Fish III, a World War I veteran, as an American hereditary order that promotes commemoration of Americans who fought in France and Franco-American friendship. He has twice been granted honorary citizenship by Congress. For his honor and Legacy many cities in the United states bear the name Lafayette or derivatives. In 1824, the United States government named in his honor Lafayette Park, immediately north of the White House in Washington, D.C. Two years later in 1826, Lafayette College was chartered in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Notes and references

  1. ^ Clary, Adopted Son, page 448
  2. ^ Lafayette Historical Society retrieved August 13, 2008
  3. ^ Clary, Adopted Son, page 7,8
  4. ^ Gaines, For Liberty and Glory,33
  5. Clary, Adopted Son, p.13
  6. ^ Holbrook,Lafayett, Man in the Middle, page 13, 71
  7. Clary, Adopted Son, page 13
  8. Clary, Adopted Son, page 17
  9. Clary, Adopted Son, page 20
  10. Adams, The Paris years of Thomas Jefferson, page 12
  11. Clary, Adopted Son, page 28
  12. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 15
  13. ^ Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle,15,16 Cite error: The named reference "Holbrook" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  14. Clary, Adopted Son, page 75
  15. ^ "Marquis de Lafayette". Revolutionary War Hall. Virtualology.com. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  16. ^ Glathaar, Forgotten Alliespage, page 3
  17. "The Marquis de Lafayette". The Historic Valley Forge. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  18. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 18
  19. ^ "Marquis de Lafayette". www.nndb.com. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  20. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 20
  21. Moland House retrieved 13 August 2008
  22. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 70
  23. Clary, Adopted Son, page 100
  24. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 23
  25. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 75
  26. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 112
  27. Holbrook, Lafayett, Man in the Middle, page 28,29
  28. Clary, Adopted Son, page 243
  29. Clary, Adopted Son, page 257
  30. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 153
  31. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 43
  32. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 54
  33. Clary, Adopted Son, page 330-338
  34. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 56
  35. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 63
  36. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. "Washington & Lafayette". Washington & Lafayette. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  37. "Introduction". Lafayette and Slavery. Lafayette College. 2002-08-09. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  38. ^ Diane Windham Shaw. "Lafayette and Slavery". Lafayette Alumni News Magazine. Lafayette College. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  39. Kramer, La Fayette in Two Words, page 217
  40. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 65
  41. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 67-68
  42. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, pp.198-99,204,206
  43. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 72
  44. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 79
  45. ^ Gerson, Statue in Search of a Pedestal, pages 81-83
  46. ^ Neely, A Concise History, page 86
  47. de La Fuye, The Apostle of Liberty, page 83.
  48. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 81
  49. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 84
  50. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 88
  51. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 93
  52. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 331
  53. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 345, 346
  54. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 100
  55. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 348
  56. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 100
  57. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 105
  58. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 360
  59. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 109
  60. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 362
  61. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 114
  62. Clary, Adopted Son, pages 410-416.
  63. Clary, Adopted Son, page418
  64. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 129
  65. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 141, 142
  66. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 146
  67. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 147
  68. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 150
  69. Clary, Adopted Son, page 438
  70. Clary, Adopted Son, page 443
  71. The Crooked Laek Review. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.
  72. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 170
  73. Clary, Adopted Son, page 443
  74. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. "Washington & Lafayette". Washington & Lafayette. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  75. Clary, Adopted Son, page 444
  76. Holbrook, Lafayette, Man in the Middle, page 177
  77. Gaines, For Liberty and Glory, page 427
  78. Holbrook, Lafayett, Man in the Middle, page 162
  79. Clary, Adopted Son, page 442-445
  80. Holbrook, Lafayett, Man in the Middle, page 188
  81. Holbrook, page 188
  82. Clary, Adopted Son, page 447
  83. Payan, page 93
  84. Kathleen McKenna (2007-06-10). "On Bunker Hill, a boost in La Fayette profile". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
  85. ^ Clary, Adopted Son, page 444
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  95. "Marquis de Lafayette Collection, 1781-1834: Finding Aid" (PDF). Princeton University Library Digital Collection. Retrieved 2008-04-14. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  96. 107th Congress. "Joint Resolution" (TXT). United States Government Printing Office. Retrieved 2008-04-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

Works cited

External links

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