"Having succeeded in this favourite object, in which he was aided by the representations of the former and present minister of France at Philadelphia; and finding no probability of active employment on the continent of Europe, he obtained permission to return to America, with the grateful intelligence of the service he had rendered while in France, to the country in whose cause his service had been first drawn. He arrived at Boston in the month of April 1780, and hastened to Head Quarters. He then proceeded to Congress with the information that the King of France had consented to employ a large land and naval armament in the United States, for the ensuing campaign. He was received by WASHINGTON with joy and affection; and by Congress with those marks of distinction and regard to which his _constant_ and _indefatigable_ zeal in support of the American cause, as well as his signal service, gave him such just pretnesions. The intelligence which he brought gave new impulse both to Congress and to the State Legislatures. The lethargic slumbers into which they seemed to be sinking yielded to resolutions of the most vigorous character."--_Marshall_. The letters below, with the resolve of Congress, will show the sense WASHINGTON had of the services of his "_adopted son_," the Marquis Lafayette, and the personal attachment which he cherished for him, as well as the high estimation; in which the disinterested zeal of that devoted friend of liberty was held by the grand Legislature of America. "_Head Quarters, Morristown, May_ 13, 1780. "The Marquis Lafayette does me the honor to take charge of this note. I am persuaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel at the return of a gentleman who has so signally distinguished himself in the service of this country; who has given so many and so decided proofs of his attachment to its interests; and who ought to be dear to it by every motive. The _warm friendship_ I have for him conspires with considerations of public utility to afford me a double satisfaction in his return. During the time he has been in France he has uniformly manifested the same zeal in our affairs, which animated his conduct while he was among us; and has been, upon all occasions, an essential friend to America. He merits, and I doubt not Congress will give him every mark of consideration and regard in their power. "I have the honour to be, &c. "GEO. WASHINGTON." "_To His Excellency the President of Congress_." "_Philadelphia, May_ 16, 1780. "After so many favors, which, on every occasion and particularly at my obtaining leave of absence, Congress were pleased most graciously to bestow on me, I dare presume myself entitled to impart to them the private feelings, which I now so happily experience.