mankind.

We cannot more justly describe his sentiments and views, than by quoting
his own language used at a subsequent period, in a letter to the President
of the Continental Congress--"The moment I heard of America, I loved her;
the moment I knew she was fighting for liberty, I burnt with a desire to
bleed for her." The sacrifices he made cannot be so well otherwise
estimated as by reflecting that he left an affectionate wife, in whom he
was most happy; and who, he was obliged to assure, that he would speedily
return, before she would consent to the enterprize.

When LAFAYETTE made known his purpose to embark for America, under all the
appalling circumstances of our country, our Envoys were still unable to
furnish a passage for him. They had no vessels at command; and they were
not then in a situation to purchase one. Loans were the object of their
mission; but as yet they had not succeeded in obtaining them. And as the
French court had not acknowledged our independence, or openly espoused our
cause, it would have been improper for them to furnish a vessel for such
purpose. What was then done for America must be effected in secret; and at
most, only connived at by the French government. But the ardour of young
LAFAYETTE was not to be checked by any such considerations. He took council
rather of his feelings, than of that prudence by which ordinary minds are
governed. He therefore immediately engaged a vessel at his own charges, and
sailed for the United States, where he arrived in the month of January. He
landed at Charleston, S.C. and soon entered, as a volunteer, in the
American army. Soon after his arrival, he purchased clothing and arms for
the troops under General MOULTRIE in that quarter. He also early made an
advance to General WASHINGTON of 60,000 francs, for the public service.

For several months, he continued to serve in this capacity. His zeal and