Marquis de Layafette - 1406 Words

Marquis de Lafayette Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette, a wealthy French nobleman, played a quietly prominent role in America’s struggle for independence from the British. La Fayette’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of liberty, his skill as military officer, his ability to secure vital resources, and his impressive connections to the French Royal family and other key players of this era made him an invaluable asset in the American Revolution, and a significant piece of the French Revolution. La Fayette was born on September 6, 1757 in the Castle of Chavagnac, in the southern region of France to a distinguished noble family. His lineage was already renowned throughout France for†¦show more content†¦In fact, the bond was so strong, that at the Battle of Valley Forge in the winter of 1777, when a cluster of jealous officers interested in trying to have a sentiment developed against Washington to have Congress relieve him of the command of the Continental Army, they were unable to gain the support of Lafayette, who in turn wrote a long letter to Washington in which he pledged his loyalty to the General. Washington replied to Lafayette in a letter that was marked by his sincere appreciation. In due course the proposed scheme of the few officers failed, as it was doomed to fail from the beginning. The soldiers and officers at Valley Forge were fiercely loyal to their commander, and the members of Congress realized that Washington was a strong and patriotic leader. Following the harsh and bitter winter in Valley Forge, Lafayette kept the colonists’ spirits high and burnished his credentials as an intelligent leader whilst helping to draw more French resources to the colonial side. In May 1778, he outsmarted the British soldiers sent to capture him at Bunker Hill- which was later renamed Lafayette Hill- and rallied a Continental attack at Monmouth Courthouse to force a stalemate. Lafayette repeatedly traveled back and forth to France to press Louis XVI for more aid, and in return he assumed increased military responsibility upon his return to battle. As commander of the