conduct. We are deeply impressed, with a sense of the various and important
services you have rendered our country; and it will be the pride of some
patriotic and enlightened historian to enumerate your actions in the field,
and to illustrate your incessant efforts to promote the happiness of the
United States.

"We shall ever retain a lively gratitude for the interposition of your
august sovereign and nation, at a time when America was oppressed by a
formidable enemy. By his influence and the powerful assistance afforded by
his land and naval forces, the war has been happily terminated, and the
independence of the United States firmly established, at a period much
earlier than the most sanguine patriot could have expected.

"A mind like yours ennobled by a generous attachment to the rights of
mankind, must enjoy the highest pleasure in viewing the people, to whose
cause you so zealously devoted yourself; in full possession of that peace,
liberty and safety, which were the great objects of their pursuit.

"Animated by virtue and the auspices of your own fame, may you go on to add
to the splendor of your character, and heighten the glory of your country,
by placing the name of Lafayette on the same list with Conde, Turenne and
her other immortal heroes.

"In behalf of the officers of the Massachusetts line.

"H. KNOX."


Reply of the Marquis.