spent some time in the bosom of his amiable family. With an affectionate
wife, of cultivated mind and accomplished manners, with a circle of
literary friends, and enjoying a high reputation for his heroic services in
America, he must have possessed all the ingredients of human happiness. He
received the smiles of the King and Court; was caressed by the gay and
chivalrous; and had the esteem and friendship of the first literary
characters in France. He was fond of agricultural pursuits; and as his
estates were extensive, he devoted a considerable portion of his time to
the cultivation and improvement of his lands. During this time his
hospitable attentions were shown to American travelers, who were always
sure of his friendly reception.

The legislature of Virginia, in 1786, conferred upon Lafayette, an
honorable tribute of regard, in recollection of his very important services
in defence of American Independence; and particularly of his brave and
successful efforts during the campaign of 1781, against Cornwallis. This
was a resolution to place his bust in their capitol. Mr. Jefferson, then in
France, was authorized to have the like work of honor fixed in Paris, with
consent of the municipal authority of that city and accordingly, another
bust of Lafayette; was placed, by approbation of the King and of the Provot
of Paris, in one of the galleries of the city hall.

In 1786, he traveled through various parts of Germany, and visited the
courts of Vienna and Berlin. He became acquainted with Frederick II. the
greatest royal tactician of Europe; and probably availed of the opportunity
of attending his reviews, to increase his knowledge of military discipline.
Soon after his return to France, we find him uniting his influence and
efforts with the celebrated philosopher, Malesherbes, who was zealously
engaged in favour of the French protestants. At this time, also, he joined
a society in Paris, whose object was the gradual emancipation of the