September 1 1824

La Fayette

Leading incidents of his eventful life – compiled from sundry newspaper accounts.

La Fayette was born at Auvergne in France , in 1757 – consequently, he is now 67 years old. At the early age of 19, he left wife, relatives and a princely fortune, and came over to this country in a ship fitted out at his own expense, landing at Charleston , S.C. in January, 1777. He immediately entered the army, and served as a volunteer until the 31st of July following, when he was commissioned by Congress a Major General. He distinguished himself on various occasions, and particularly at the battle of Brandywine , where he was wounded, but refused to quit the field.

In 1779, he returned to France on a visit, and while there he was presented by Congress with a sword. He took this opportunity to make interest with the French government for assistance to these then colonies, in which he partially succeeded. He returned again in 1780, and landed at Boston , with large reinforcements. In 1781 he was entrusted with a separate command in Virginia , for the purpose of driving Arnold out of the state – but did not succeed. He was afterwards opposed to that able General, Cornwallis, whom he frequently baffled. – When the army was in great want of clothing, he supplied 10,000 dollars from his own private purse. At the siege of Yorktown , he acted a conspicuous part, and in fine, without dwelling upon particulars, he continued throughout our struggle, to render the most efficient and disinterested services.

In 1784 he returned to France , where he was received with enthusiasm. At the breaking out of the French revolution, he took sides in the cause of Freedom, always however opposing violent, lawless and sanguinary measures. He was elected a member of the States General, in 1789 he was made President of that Assembly, and commandant of the National Guards in 1790, and was created General in Chief of the National Guards – but in 1791 the tide began to turn against him – he was too moderate for those furious times – the National Assembly suspected him – his soldiers became disaffected towards him – and his life was attempted by a ruffian. He resigned his command at the adoption of the French Constitution.

In 1792 he was called again into service, but on the memorable 10th of August of that year, when the Royal Family fled to the National Assembly for safety, he opposed the fury of the mob, was deprived of command and obliged to fly his country for safety. A price was set upon his head. He was arrested in Germany by the Duke of Saxe Teschen; and was about to be hanged when the King of Prussia interfered, and changed the sentence to confinement in the dungeon of Magdeburgh, where he languished a year. At the end of that time the Emperor of Austria claimed and took him, and threw him into the prison of Olmutz, in chains. His wife and two daughters (Virginia and Carolina ,) went to prison with him. His estate was confiscated. General Washington endeavored to procure his liberation, and supplied him from his own purse.

After being in the prison of Olmutz, a Dr. Bellman, a Hanoverian, and a young American, by the name of Francis K. Huger, formed the plan of liberating him. He was liberated, but had not traveled more than 100 miles before he was suspected; and finally retaken and reconducted to prison. Huger was also retaken and imprisoned and Bollman voluntarily surrendered himself to share the fate of his companion. These two were tried, but by good management, came off with only a week’s imprisonment. La Fayette, however, was kept confined until the close of 1797, when he was released at the request of Bonaparte. His health was impaired and his hair all came out. The health of his wife and daughters was almost destroyed. Declining the offer of Bonaparte’s protection, he retired to Hamburgh, where he remained until after the overthrow of the French Directory. He then returned to France , and lived upon his estate. Upon Bonaparte’s first abdication, he was elected a Deputy, in which situation he continued until the final restoration of the Bourbons, when he once more retired to private life. He was however again elected to the Chamber of Deputies to opposition to the influence of the Ministry; but at the last election, his enemies succeeded in defeating him, and he is now a private untitled citizen, at liberty to indulge his inclination in assisting this land of freedom, endeared to him by so many sacrifices and associations, and whose sons are so ready to receive their early friend and protector, and to pour forth their overflowing hearts of gratitude and welcome – Fredonian.