"As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, under similar circumstances, I
would not grant, your majesty will do me the justice to believe that this
request appears to me, to correspond with those great principles of
magnanimity and wisdom, which form the basis of sound policy and durable
glory."--But his imperial majesty was either destitute of the _humanity_
and _magnanimity_, to which Washington appealed; or was prevented granting
the request, through some promises to an "_holy alliance_," which even then
existed among the princes of Europe.

Several members of the British Parliament made an effort, at this time, for
the enlargement of Lafayette and his three friends from the dungeon of
Olmutz. General Fitzpatrick moved for an address to his majesty, stating
"that the detention of Lafayette and others by order of the King of Prussia
and Emperor of Austria, was dishonorable to the cause of the allies, and
praying him to interfere for their release." In support of his motion, he
remarked, that although Lafayette was imprisoned by the allied powers on
the continent, yet the government of Great Britain would be implicated in
the cruel act, unless it should attempt his liberation, as it had now
become a member of the coalition against the anarchical conduct of the
French. He contended that justice and humanity required them to intercede
in behalf of this oppressed and injured man. The generous Briton insisted,
that Lafayette, though a friend to civil liberty, was a firm advocate for
constitutional principles, and was in favor of the power of the King as in
a limited monarchy: and made a powerful appeal to the generosity and honor
of his countrymen, to unite in soliciting for the freedom of Lafayette.
Colonel Tarlton, then a member of Parliament, who had been opposed to
Lafayette in America, in the campaign of 1781, supported the motion of his
military friend; and with great eloquence, urged the propriety and justice
of his liberation. Mr. Fox also spoke in favor of an address to the King,
for this humane purpose. But their arguments and their eloquence were vain.