Everything relating to the life and character of this extraordinary man, is certainly worthy of remembrance by the benevolent and intelligent through the civilized world, and especially by Americans, to whom he has rendered the most essential services. The endeavour has been to avoid panegyric; though in this case, a plain statement of facts may be construed, by those ignorant of the life of Lafayette, into a disposition to bestow extravagant praise. It has been a source of much satisfaction to the Editor, to find so many proofs of consistency and of principle, as well as of zeal in the cause of rational liberty, which the life of this heroic and disinterested personage affords. And if he shall appear in this hasty memoir, as the ardent, undeviating, and sincere friend of civil freedom and of the rights of man, it will be because he justly merits such a high character. In the account of his reception by the people of this country, in various places, during his present visit, it may be thought that we have been too particular. It was promised, however, in the proposals for the volume, that such relation would be given. It is believed that it will be found to be interesting, and that it will be a satisfaction hereafter, to recur to it. This account embraces the time which elapsed after he landed at New-York, August 15, 1824, to the celebration of the capture of the Brittish [sic] army at Yorktown, October 19. These statements were, copied principally from the public newspapers; and it was thought to be unnecessary to give credit for them, or to insert the usual marks of quotation. _Boston, Nov_. 1, 1824. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introductory remarks Birth and education of Lafayette His purpose to visit America in 1777 His arrival and early service in America Battle of Brandywine Washington's attachment to him Commands in northern department Escape from British near Philadelphia Battle of Monmouth Brave conduct of Lafayette A volunteer to R. Island Journey to Boston Proposal to visit France Resentment of the conduct of British Commissioner Visit to Boston Embarks there for France Resolve of Congress honorable to Lafayette Letter of Franklin Return to America in 1780 Services in France in behalf of America Letter of Gen. Washington Commands in Virginia in 1781 His services and bravery in that department Escapes from Cornwallis His troops deserting Critical situation His conduct approved by Washington He applauds Gen. Wayne Proposes to visit France again Resolves of Congress approving his conduct Letter to Congress His letter to S. Adams Mr. Adam's reply Doings of Massachusetts Details of service at Yorktown Events on his return to France Letter to Sir H. Clinton Visit to America in 1784 Arrives in Boston His reception Honorable notice of his services, by Congress His public conduct in 1786 Meeting of States' General, 1787 In favor of reform New Constitution in 1789 Supported by Lafayette