own personal activity and bravely been seconded by General LEE, who had the
command of the troops more immediately engaged on that day, a great and
decisive victory would in all probability have attended the daring
enterprize. General LAFAYETTE had a distinguished command on that critical
day. Lee, indeed, at first declined the command of the advanced corps,
detached by WASHINGTON to harass the rear of the enemy while on their
march; and it was given to the former: though; afterwards, when it was
found, that the enemy was preparing for a general engagement, a
reinforcement was ordered, and the whole placed under the command of
General Lee. In this whole affair, General LAFAYETTE conducted with
remarkable intelligence and bravery; and received the entire approbation of
the Commander in Chief.

In August of the same year (1778) when the enemy had a large force on Rhode
Island, and were supposed to be meditating an attack on some place in the
vicinity, Lafayette (with General Greene) offered his services as a
volunteer. The expedition was not attended with success: the British troops
then were more numerous than we could collect against them; and what were
mustered were principally militia. The continental regiments were then all
needed near New-York. But General Lafayette assisted in conducting the
retreat of our men, with much skill and effect; and his behaviour on the
occasion received the particular notice and approbation of Congress.

About this time, with the knowledge and consent of Congress, Lafayette made
a visit to Boston. The particular object of this journey is not known. It
is evident, however, from the resolve of Congress on the occasion, that it
was not from merely personal or private views. It was, no doubt, for some
purpose of a public nature, and for the welfare of the nation. The
following is the resolve alluded to; and is proof, that his visit at the
time, was designed for the promotion of some plan calculated for the