author of all the excesses and cruelties which followed, for this
proposition, it may justly be said in his behalf, that it contained no
other axioms, than are admitted, by all impartial writers, as essential in
free governments. The King and his courtiers condemned them; and jacobins
and demagogues afterwards abused them, in their wild notions of
republicanism, or their selfish projects of personal aggrandizement.

Lafayette was charged with indiscretion and want of judgment, for the
active and zealous part which he took in the revolution, not only by
bigoted monarchists, but by some who were friendly to republican
institutions. He is said to have declared, "that when oppression and
tyranny were at their height, insurrection became a duty." This
declaration, however, when candidly considered, implies no more, than was
frequently expressed by the patriots of America, when opposing the
arbitrary power of the British ministry, and advocating independence as the
only remedy. The ardour and enthusiasm of Lafayette, probably, betrayed him
into some practical errors, and led him to utter expressions, which were
capable of being pressed into the service of jacobins and anarchists. We
only contend, that he had no selfish views to accomplish--and that he was
really friendly to the welfare and honor of his Prince, as well as to the
liberty and happiness of the French people.

This is fully established by the fact, that, at this period and afterwards,
when jacobin clubs were formed and acted as dictators to the National
Assembly, he became obnoxious to them, for his firmness in adhering to
constitutional principles; and, though generally censured by the royalists
as an advocate for liberty and reform, was hated and opposed by the
factions, with the pretence of his being still attached to the ancient
regime. He retained his hold on the affections of the people for some time,
and enjoyed also, more of the confidence and regard of the King, then any