LAFAYETTE, MARIE JEAN PALL ROCII YVES GILBERT MOTIER, Marquis de, descended from an ancient family of Auvergne, was b. Sept. 0, 1757, in the castle of Chavagnac, now in the department of upper Loire. lie became a soldier at an early age, and in 1777 went to America to take part with the colonists in their war of inde pendence. The friendship of Washington exercised a great influence over the develop ment of his mind and the formation of his opinions. The declaration of war between France and Britain gave him an opportunity of aiding the new republic effectually, by returning to France, where he was received with honor by the court, and with enthu siasm by the people. Ile again repaired to America in 1780, and was intrusted by congress with the defense of Virginia, where lie rendered important services. On a third visit to North America in 1784, after the conclusion of peace, he was received in such a manner that his tour was a continual triumph.
Lafayette had imbibed liberal principles, and now eagerly sought to promote a thorough reform in his native country. He was called to the assembly of notables in 1787, and was one of those who most earnestly urged the assembly of the states. He took part also in the movements which converted the assembly of the states into the national assembly in 1789. He took a very active part in the proceedings of the assembly, and being appointed to the chief command of the armed citizens, laid the foundation of the national guard, and gave, it the tricolor cockade. In these first periods of the revo lution it seemed as if Lafayette had the destinies of France in his hands. But lie found
himself unable to control the excitement which sprung up. The extreme republicans soon came to dislike him, because he advocated a constitutional kingdom; and the court party, especially the queen, did the same—in spite of the services he rendered them— because of his zeal for the new order of things. Along with Bailly, he founded the club of the Feuillants. After the adoption of the constitution of 1790 he retired to his estate• of Lagrange, till he received the command of the army of Ardennes, with which he won the first victories at Philippcville, Maubeuge, and Florennes Nevertheless, the calumnies of the Jacobins rendered him exceedingly unpopular, and lie was accused of treason, but acquitted. After several vain efforts to maintain the cause of rational liberty, he left Paris for Flanders, but was taken prisoner by the Austrians, and remained at Olmiltz till Bonaparte obtained his liberation in 1797; but he took no part in public affairs during the ascendency of Bonaparte. He sat in the chamber of deputies from 1818 to 1824 as one of the extreme left, and from 1825 to 1830 he was again a leader of the opposition. In 1830 he took an active part in the revolution, and commanded the national guards. In 1824 lie revisited America, by invitation of congress, who voted him a grant of $200,000 and a township of land. Ile died May 20, 1834.