“I will join the Americans--I will help them fight for Freedom!” he cried; and as he spoke his face was illuminated. “Tell me how to set about it!” The young man was the Marquis de Lafayette, nineteen years old, a rich French noble, the adoring husband of a sweet young wife, and the father of one little child. _Edith Sichel_ (_Retold_) IN AMERICA Accompanied by Baron de Kalb, Lafayette safely reached America, and presented his credentials to Congress. Washington met him first at a dinner in Philadelphia. He was so pleased with Lafayette’s eager, brave spirit, and with his unselfish offer of sword and fortune for the American cause, that he invited him to become a member of his family, and to make Headquarters his home. Lafayette was delighted, and immediately had his luggage taken to the camp. And from that time on, he was always a welcome guest both at camp and at Mount Vernon. ON THE FIELD NEAR CAMDEN What became of Lafayette’s companion, the Baron de Kalb? He served his adopted country, the United States, until at the battle near Camden, he fell, still fighting though pierced by eleven wounds. “The rebel General! the rebel General!” shouted the British soldiers who saw him fall. And they rushed forward to transfix him with their bayonets. But his faithful adjutant tried to throw himself on the Baron’s body to shield it, crying out at the same time, “Spare the Baron de Kalb!” The rough soldiers raised the wounded Baron to his feet, and, leaning him against a wagon, began to strip him. Just then the British General, Lord Cornwallis, rode up. He saw his valiant enemy stripped to his shirt, the blood pouring from his eleven wounds. Immediately, he gave orders that the Baron should be treated with respect and care. “I regret to see you so badly wounded,” he said, “but am glad to have defeated you.” The Baron was carried to a bed. He was given every care. His devoted adjutant watched by his bedside, and the British officers came to express their sympathy and regret. But the brave Baron lingered three days only, then he died. Almost his last thoughts were with the men of his command. He charged his adjutant to thank them for their valour, and to bid them an affectionate farewell from him. The people of Camden erected a monument in memory of the Baron de Kalb. THE BANNER OF THE MORAVIAN NUNS “_Take thy Banner; and beneath The war-cloud’s encircling wreath Guard it--till our homes are free-- Guard it--God will prosper thee!_ * * * * * “_Take thy Banner; and if e’er Thou shouldst press the soldier’s bier And the muffled drum should beat To the tread of mournful feet, Then this Crimson Flag shall be Martial cloak and shroud for thee!_” _And the Warrior took that Banner proud, And it was his martial cloak and shroud._ _From The Hymn of the Moravian Nuns_, HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW