now pronounced desperate, and Lafayette was urged by all who were privy
to his project, to give up an enterprise so wild and hopeless. Even our
commissioners (for Deane had been joined by Dr. Franklin and Arthur
Lee) told him they could not in conscience urge him to proceed. His
answer was: "My zeal and love of liberty have perhaps hitherto been the
prevailing motive with me, but now I see a chance of usefulness which I
had not anticipated. These supplies I know are greatly wanted by
Congress. I have money; I will purchase a vessel to convey them to
America, and in this vessel my companions and myself will take
passage."

His purpose was opposed by the government, and he was obliged to escape
into Spain and sail from that country. He landed near Georgetown in
South Carolina, and in company with the Baron de Kalb, the companion of
his voyage, proceeded to Charleston, where they were received with
enthusiasm by the magistrates and the people.

As soon as possible they proceeded by land to Philadelphia. On his
arrival there, with the eagerness of a youth anxious to be employed
upon his errand, he sent his letters to Mr. Lovell, chairman of the
committee of foreign relations. He called the next day at the hall of
Congress, and asked to see this gentleman. Mr. Lovell came out to him,
stated that so many foreigners offered themselves for employment in the
American army that Congress was greatly embarrassed to find them
commands; that the finances of the country required the most rigid
economy, and that he feared, in the present case, there was little hope
of success. Lafayette perceived that the worthy chairman had made up
his report without looking at the papers; he explained to him that his
application, if granted, would lay no burden upon the finances of
Congress, and addressed a letter to the president, in which he