prosperity of the country.

"In Congress, Sept. 9th, 1778. Resolved, That the President be requested to
inform the Marquis de Lafayette, that Congress have a due sense of the
sacrifice he made of his personal feelings, in undertaking a journey to
Boston with a view of promoting the interests of these States, at a time
when an occasion was daily expected of his acquiring glory in the field;
and that his gallantry in going a volunteer on Rhode Island, when the
greatest part of the army had retreated, and his good conduct in bringing
off the pickets and out sentries, deserves particular approbation." This
resolve was communicated to Lafayette by the President of Congress, with a
polite note; to which the Marquis replied as follows:


"SIR,

"I have received your favour of the 13th instant, acquainting me of the
honor Congress has been pleased to confer on me by their most gracious
resolve. Whatever pride such approbation may justly give me, I am not less
affected by the feeling of gratitude, and that satisfaction of thinking my
endeavours were ever looked upon as useful to a cause in which my heart is
so deeply interested. Be so good, Sir, as to present to Congress my plain
and hearty thanks, with a frank assurance of a candid attachment, the only
one worth being offered to the representatives of a free people. The moment
I heard of America, I loved her: The moment I knew she was fighting for
liberty, I burnt with the desire of bleeding for her: and the moment I
shall be able of serving her, in any time, or in any part of the world,
will be the happiest of my life. I never so much wished for occasions of
deserving those obliging sentiments I am honored with by these States and
their representatives, and that so flattering confidence they have been