not cease to feel an interest in whatever may concern his honor and
prosperity, and that their best and kindest wishes will always attend him."

It was also resolved by Congress, at the same time; "That a letter be
written to his most Christian Majesty, and signed by the President of
Congress, expressive of the high sense which the United States entertain of
the real talents and meritorious services of the Marquis de Lafayette, and
recommending him to the particular favor and patronage of his Majesty."

The committee received the Marquis in Congress Hall, and took leave of him
in the name of that honorable body, agreeably to the instructions given
there. They communicated to him the resolves before mentioned; to which he
replied--

"While it pleases the Congress of the United States so kindly to receive
me, I want words to express the feelings of a heart, which delights in
their present situation and in the public marks of their esteem.

"Since I joined the standard of liberty to this wished for hour of my
personal congratulations, I have seen such glorious deeds performed and
virtues displayed, by the sons of America, that in the instant of my first
concern for them, I had anticipated but a part of the love and regard which
devote me to this rising empire.

"During our revolution, I obtained an unlimited, indulgent confidence,
which I am equally proud and happy to acknowledge; it dates with the time,
when an inexperienced youth, I could only claim my respected friend's
paternal adoption. It has been most benevolently continued throughout every
circumstance of the cabinet and the field; and in personal friendships I
have often found a support against public difficulties. While on this