The young rebellious French aristocrat who became Washington’s lifelong friend
BY JEAN JACQUES BOHL
On July 4, 2016, the United States will celebrate the 270th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And every year on Independence Day, the American Ambassador to France as well as a French government delegation lay a wreath on the grave of a Frenchman. Why? Because despite the Marquis de Lafayette not being among the Founding Fathers, he played a significant role in the Revolutionary War.
Gilbert du Motier, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette, was born on Sept. 6, 1757, into an old French military aristocratic family. In 1775, at the age of 18, he received a captains’ commission in a royal dragoon regiment. The young officer was most enthusiastic about the American Revolution and its ideals. He decided to offer his services.
Against the orders of King Louis XVI, who wanted to avoid a conflict with England, Lafayette bought a ship with his own funds and set sail for America. He landed in South Carolina on June 13, 1777. He offered to serve without pay, and Congress gave him a commission of major general. David A. Clary – in his Lafayette biography, “Adopted Son” – writes that General George Washington and the Marquis bonded immediately. He writes, “They were unlikely comrades in arms.”
Lafayette’s fierce loyalty and heroism in battle quickly earned him Washington’s esteem. He spent the winter at Valley Forge and, although severely injured, managed an orderly retreat at the battle of Brandywine. He also fought valiantly at the battles of Barren Hill and Monmouth.
In 1778, when France formally recognized the United States, Lafayette returned home to drum up military support for the colonists. He convinced the king to dispatch the French Fleet along with a 6,000-strong expeditionary force under the command of General Rochambeau. He then returned to the U.S., resuming his command in the Continental Army.
Lafayette distinguished himself at Yorktown in October 1781, preventing a British land escape by having the French Fleet blockade the harbor. In 1783, Great Britain recognized the U.S. independence with the Treaty of Paris. He took part in the negotiations and subsequently worked with Ambassador to France – and future president – Thomas Jefferson to draft a Franco/American commerce treaty.
Lafayette was also the hero of the reformists in France who wanted to do away with absolute monarchy. When the French Revolution erupted in 1789, he received the command of the Paris National Guard whose mission was to protect the king, guarantee the newly written constitution and maintain law and order.
He returned to politics after the fall of Napoleon in 1815. He served in the National Assembly during the Bourbon Restoration. In 1824, he made a triumphant visit to the U.S. for two years, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He died on May 30, 1834, and is buried at the Petit-Picpus cemetery in Paris. An American flag flies permanently over his grave.
Every year on Independence Day, the American Ambassador to France as well as a French government delegation lay a wreath on his grave.
In 1917, when the first American doughboys [a nickname for American soldiers during World War I] arrived in France, their commander, General John Pershing, made a point to visit Lafayette’s grave.
He saluted and said, “Lafayette, nous voici!” (Lafayette, we have come!)