unfortunate Africans: so generous and active are the principles of liberty,
that they never cease to urge those, who yield to their influence, to deeds
of benevolence and humanity. In 1787, he was chosen a deputy to the
assembly of the States General, by the nobility of Auvergne, his native
province; and at this time he shared largely in the popular favour. But,
although subsequently found among the most zealous for a new constitution,
by which the power of the monarch was greatly curtailed, he now voted with
the other members of the order of nobles, and contended for their distinct
authority.

At this meeting of the States General, however, he was active in procuring
a favorable decree for the protestants, and was the first to raise his
voice for the suppression of "_lettres de cachet_." This convocation of the
States General, composed of separate chambers or orders, had not been long
in session, when great difficulties arose in consequence of various plans,
and the conflicting opinions of different factions, (for factions were now
beginning to appear;) and it was proposed to call a "National Assembly." It
does not appear, that this was a favorite measure of Lafayette; though,
from his avowed sentiments respecting the equal rights of man, it cannot be
doubted, that he approved of the plan. For in 1789, he became a member of
this celebrated assembly, whose acts not only laid the foundation, for a
radical change in the government of France, but tended directly to destroy
the whole power of the monarch. Even here, indeed, he appeared as the
friend and advocate of Louis; and however ardent he was for an amelioration
of the condition of the people, by rendering the civil government more
mild, than heretofore, he was sincere and active in providing for the
personal safety of his Prince, and for the honor of his crown, conformably
to his views of political liberty.

He had, in truth, a most difficult part to act. He was ardently attached to