en ambassador to the court of
France from the United States, was promptly allowed, under pretense of
calling upon Lafayette's father-in-law, to visit Lafayette himself.

There was a constant stream of callers coming to see and congratulate
him, and never was there one among them who was permitted to
misunderstand the fact that Lafayette wished to move heaven and earth
to secure help for the Continental army in its struggle for freedom.
He found himself, in a more important sense than ever before, the tie
between France and America, for he enjoyed the confidence of both
countries.

To Washington he wrote: "If there is anything in France concerning
which not only as a soldier but as a politician, or in any other
capacity, I can employ my exertions to the advantage of the United
States, I hope it is unnecessary to say that I shall seize the
opportunity and bless the day which shall render me useful to those
whom I love with all the ardor and frankness of my heart."

General Washington, on his part, wrote to Lafayette in this wise:

"It gives me infinite pleasure to hear from your sovereign of the joy
that your safe arrival in France has diffused among your friends....
Your forward zeal in the cause of liberty, your singular attachment to
this infant world, your ardent and persevering efforts not only in
America, but since your return to France, to serve the United States,
your polite attentions to Americans, and your strict and uniform
friendship for me, have ripened the first impressions of esteem and
attachment which I imbibed for you into such perfect love and
gratitude, as neither time nor absence can impair. This will warrant
my assuring you that whether in the character of an officer at the
head of a corps of gallant Frenchmen if circumstances should require
this, whether as major-general commanding a division of the American
army, or whether, after our swords and spears have given place to the
plowshare and pruning-hook, I see you as a private gentleman, a friend
and companion, I shall welcome you with all the warmth of friendship
to Columbia's shores; and in the latter case, to my rural cottage,
where homely fare and a cordial reception shall be substituted for
delicacies and costly living. This, from past experience, I know you
can submit to; and if the lovely partner of your happiness will
consent to participate with us in such rural entertainments and
amusements, I can undertake on behalf of Mrs. Washington