Learning from the Marquis de Lafayette
I’ve been reading through Ryan Cole’s new book “The Last Adieu.” Cole covers much of the Marquis de Lafayette’s life but focuses on his last visit to America in 1824-1825.
I was sent an advanced copy but life’s obligations slowed my progress and I haven’t quite made it up to the official kick-off of Lafayette’s last American tour. Still, I found myself tearing up at my son’s martial arts class tonight, because whatever flaws Lafayette had as a man, his love for America was undoubtedly real and touching. I think it was a fellow Frenchmen that called Lafayette, “A statue in search of a pedestal,” which is quite the quip but his love for America is never in doubt.
Before his visit he gives a speech in Paris where he says, “There exist for me motives of duty and honor which must dictate the period when I shall have again the happiness to see again the shore of liberty. But this happiness will be the most delightful that I shall ever be able to experience.”
Lafayette, in his quest to return to America, was even sensitive to the belief that our government shouldn’t bear any expense on his behalf. He worked to shore up his debts and shaky finances for the trip.
There are some unintentionally amusing notes in the book, too. Given the dysfunction in our federal government today, I was struck by this contrast in a letter from President James Monroe to Lafayette: “Our country is in a very prosperous state, in all its official concerns, The government is successful, in all its branches, & the movement of the two govts, state & national, is in the highest degree harmonious.”
Of course, it was far from perfect but patriotic optimism is beaming throughout the land and there is a deep respect and nostalgia for the Revolution. At a time when civic spirit feels strained, Lafayette’s gratitude and love for America are refreshing.
With that being said, I look forward to reading on to Lafayette’s return and will keep readers informed if something strikes me along the way.
— Ray Nothstine
— The Federalism Beat