t the blade was totally rusted
away. Lafayette then had the happy thought of adjusting to this handle
of pure gold the blade of a sword that had been made out of bolts and
bars taken from the Bastille. Thus the associations of both worlds and
of two struggles for freedom were united in one historic sword.

There came a time when Lafayette felt himself warranted in presenting
a Memoir to the Cabinet on the subject of giving direct relief to
America. His plan, from a military standpoint, was masterly, and it
produced so favorable an impression that it was accepted; and it soon
became known to those worthy to be in the secret that France would
send to America a reinforcement of six ships and six thousand men of
the regular infantry. To this was added a loan of three million
livres, and later still, through the appeals of Franklin, another loan
of the same amount was supplied. The Count de Rochambeau, a trained
soldier, was chosen to command the land forces and the Count de Ternay
was to be admiral of the fleet. Lafayette was sent ahead to announce
this happy news and to make preparations for the arrival of the
expedition.

Wearing the uniform of an American officer, Lafayette took his leave
of the king; and on the 4th of March, 1780, he sailed on the frigate
_Hermione_. He reached Boston harbor on the 28th of April, 1780, after
an absence of fifteen months. When word swept through the city that a
ship was coming in with Lafayette on board, the people crowded to the
wharf to welcome the returning French friend of America. This was the
beginning of civic processions in Lafayette's honor. They cheered him
from the ship's side to the residence of Governor Hancock where
addresses were listened to and congratulations exchanged. He called
upon the Legislature then in session, and in the evening viewed the
illuminations in his honor. Lafayette gave a dinner on board the ship
to which he invited a large number of officials--the president of the
Massachusetts Council, members of the legislature, the consul of
France, and other men of dignity. The frigate was gayly decorated with
the flags of many nations. Thirteen toasts were drunk--the number
thirteen cannot have been an unlucky number in those days!--and after
the toast to Washington the great guns boomed seventeen times.

As rapidly as possible Lafayette rode to Washington's headquarters at
Morristown, New Jersey, and made his happy announcement to the General
himself. He then