FAYETTE COUNTY. 247 



freedom's holy land," the noble Lafayette stands first. As 

 soon as he heard that Congress had declared the colonies free 

 and independent, he came to the resolution to devote himself 

 to their cause. Accordingly, he presented himself before the 

 American Commissioners at Paris, and offered his services. 

 These were accepted ; and after various sacrifices and difficul- 

 ties, he left France, and landed on the 25th day of April, 1777, 

 in South Carolina. He immediately proceeded to Philadelphia, 

 where Congress was then in session, delivered the despatches 

 intrusted to him by the American Commissioners at Paris, and 

 renewed his offer of devotion to the cause of liberty. Struck 

 with astonishment at the gallantry of the young and noble 

 foreigner, Congress appointed him a Major General in the 

 army of the United States. Lafayette, losing no time, di- 

 rected his course to the head-quarters of Washington, who 

 received him with great cordiality, and took him under his 

 special direction. He soon received a command in the conti- 

 nental army, and throughout all the trying scenes of the Revo- 

 lution, displayed a bravery and skill which more than realized 

 the expectations of the country. At the battle of Brandy- 

 wine he received a severe wound, but he would not consent to 

 alight from his horse to have it dressed. In 1778, there* was a 

 probability that war would take place between England and 

 France ; and with the approbation of Washington he left the 

 United States, to discharge his duty to his native country. His 

 arrival in France was hailed by all classes with every demon- 

 stration of respect. To his government he represented the 

 wants of America, and succeeded in obtaining efficient aid. 

 He remained in France throughout the year 1779, and was 

 appointed to the command of the King's own Regiment of 

 Dragoons. He returned to the United States in 1780, and 

 from that period to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, he was 

 engaged in active service. After the capitulation of York- 

 town, he again asked permission to visit France, which being 

 granted, he again left the United States for his native country, 

 and upon his arrival, spent much of his time in promoting the 

 interests of the Americans. He succeeded in inducing the 

 government to render further assistance ; but peace having 

 been concluded between the contending parties, the fleet des- 



