miraculous, addressed a multitude of inquiries to the Duke of
Gloucester on the subject of the contest. His imagination was kindled
at the idea of a civilized people struggling for political liberty. His
heart was warmed with the possibility of drawing his sword in a good
cause. Before he left the table his course was mentally resolved on,
and the brother of the King of England (unconsciously, no doubt) had
the singular fortune to enlist, from the French court and the French
army, this gallant and fortunate champion in the then unpromising cause
of the colonial Congress.

He immediately repaired to Paris to make further inquiries and
arrangements toward the execution of his great plan. He confided it to
two young friends, officers like himself, the Count de Segur and
Viscount de Noailles, and proposed to them to join him. They shared his
enthusiasm, and determined to accompany him, but on consulting their
families, they were refused permission. But they faithfully kept
Lafayette's secret. Happily--shall I say--he was an orphan, independent
of control, and master of his own fortune, amounting to near $40,000
per annum.

He next opened his heart to the Count de Broglie, a marshal in the
French army. To the experienced warrior, accustomed to the regular
campaigns of European service, the project seemed rash and quixotic,
and one that he could not countenance. Lafayette begged the count at
least not to betray him, as he was resolved (notwithstanding his
disapproval of the subject) to go to America. This the count promised,
adding, however, "I saw your uncle fall in Italy, and I witnessed your
father's death at the battle of Minden, and I will not be accessory to
the ruin of the only remaining branch of the family." He then used all
the powers of argument which his age and experience suggested to him,