liberty, when he first came to America, his attachment to its principles
must have become more firm and settled, if not more intense, after an
acquaintance of five years, with the patriots and heroes of our revolution.
He had become acquainted with our institutions, and with the principles of
our government; and was probably led to believe that systems equally free
might be maintained in other countries. He was so enamoured, not only with
the theory, but with the practical effects, of republicanism, that he felt
it a duty to recommend systems of government more consonant to the rights
of mankind. We know not, if he justly appreciated the importance of the
general diffusion of knowledge among all classes of people, to ensure such
a happy state of society. It was probably owing to this consideration,
however, that he did not immediately attempt the reformation of the
political system under which his own nation had long been oppressed. That
Louis XVI. was mild, humane, and anxious for the good of his subjects, we
are not disposed to doubt. But the ancient regime was unquestionably
despotic; and in the hands of ambitious or selfish ministers, liable to be
an instrument of injustice and oppression. And those who have long been
accustomed to govern, without being accountable for their conduct, will not
easily be induced to relinquish power, from any considerations of abstract
right, or a belief that others will be more just.

We will here present a letter of Lafayette, directed to Sir H. Clinton; to
show his regard to truth, and to his own reputation suffering in some
measure by a statement which had been publicly made by that military
officer.

"Paris, April 29, 1783.--Sir, Upon a perusal of your printed correspondence,
I must beg leave to trouble you with an observation; not that I have claims
to set forth, or relations to criticise. A sentence in your letter of ----
is the only one I intend to mention. "Having said to Lord Cornwallis, that