services were early appreciated by Congress; and in July, 1777, he was
created a Major-General. But he did not, at once, act under that
commission. In the battle of Brandywine, in September of the same year,
although he distinguished himself by his activity and undaunted bravery, it
does not appear that he acted as Major-General. He received a wound in his
leg, in this engagement, and his services were highly applauded. He
remained in the field till the close of the battle, inspiring the men by
his presence and active courage. The wound was severe and required
attention; but before it was entirely healed, he joined the army again
under WASHINGTON. In November, at the head of some Jersey militia, he
attacked a body of 300 Hessians and defeated them. General GREENE was
engaged in the same affair, a part of the time; and said of young
LAFAYETTE, "that he seemed to search for danger." Soon after this period,
he had command of a division in the Continental army; and frequently was
appointed the chief officer in separate departments of great importance and
responsibility.

General WASHINGTON became greatly attached to him. He was an intelligent
judge of character; and was never known to bestow his confidence upon those
who were not worthy of it. He was so distinguished by the regard of the
Commander in Chief, that it became usual to call him "his adopted son."
WASHINGTON loved him for his goodness, and honored him for his bravery and
military talents. In the early part of 1778, when it was proposed to make
an attack upon Canada, and to endeavor to connect it with the thirteen
United States, Gen. LAFAYETTE was appointed to command the troops
collecting for that purpose at Albany. This plan originated in Congress,
and was said to be much favored by the French Ambassador; but WASHINGTON
ever doubted the propriety, or the feasibility of the scheme, and
eventually gave his opinion decidedly against it; and it was not
prosecuted. It was at this time, probably, that Brigadier General STARK