pleased to put in me; which have filled my heart with the warmest
acknowledgments and most eternal affection.

"I pray you to accept my thanks for the polite manner in which you have
communicated the resolve of Congress; and I have the honor to be, &c.

LAFAYETTE."

During the year 1778, some propositions were made to Congress from the
British ministry, through three commissioners, who were sent over to
America. The object was to bring about a cessation of hostilities, and
peace, without acknowledging our Independence. They were, therefore,
immediately rejected. In the address of the commissioners to Congress, the
French King and ministers were mentioned with great disrespect, and
represented as secret enemies to America; and therefore, not to be believed
in their engagements and promises in our favour. The Marquis de Lafayette
highly resented this heavy charge against his king and government; and
wrote a very spirited letter on the subject, to Lord Carlisle, the
principal commissioner. He seemed ready to appear as the champion of his
abused Prince and country, in the chivalrous manner such attacks were met
in former ages, when disputes were settled between nations by single
combat. The indignation he expressed was honorable to his patriotic
feelings; but, probably, his maturer years and judgment would have
chastened and moderated it.

Early in the year 1779, after an absence from his beloved family and
country of more than two years, Lafayette visited France: not however,
without the consent of Congress and also of General Washington, and a
determination to return to America at a future day. He embarked at Boston.
In waiting for a passage to France, the Marquis was several weeks in