ime they had received an
informing letter from Silas Deane; so they hastened to pass a
resolution (on July 31, 1777) accepting Lafayette's services and "in
consideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and connections," they
bestowed on him the rank of Major General in the Army of the United
States.

The second letter with its royal command from Louis XVI might now
follow, but it could have no effect. Lafayette was definitely
committed to the American cause to which, as he said in his answer to
Congress, the feelings of his heart had engaged him; a cause whose
import concerned the honor, virtue, and universal happiness of
mankind, as well as being one that drew from him the warmest affection
for a nation who, by its resistance of tyranny, exhibited to the
universe so fine an example of justice and courage.

Lafayette's letter to Congress asked that he might be placed as near
to General Washington as possible and serve under his command.

A day or two after this a military dinner was given in Philadelphia
which was attended by General Washington. Lafayette also was invited.
That was Lafayette's first introduction to Washington. Lafayette had
admired Washington almost from the time he first heard his name. To
the young Frenchman, the occasion was momentous. He now saw before him
a man whose face was somewhat grave and serious yet not stern. On the
contrary, it was softened by a most gracious and amiable smile. He
observed that the General was affable in manner and that he conversed
with his officers familiarly and gayly. General Washington, with his
customary prudence, looked closely at the nineteen-year-old volunteer,
and wondered whether the stuff was to be found in that slight figure
and intent gaze that would make a helper of value to the colonies, one
whose judgment and loyalty could be relied upon. It must be that his
decision was favorable to the youth, for after the dinner he drew him
aside and conversed with him in the friendliest way. He spoke with him
of his plans and aspirations, showed that he appreciated Lafayette's
sacrifices, and that he realized the greatness of the effort he had
made in order to bring aid to the colonies. Then Washington invited
him to become one of his military family, which offer Lafayette
accepted with the same frankness with which it was made.

Perhaps Lafayette was in a mood to be pleased, for in spite of the
assailing mosquitoes at night and the many difficulties he had to
ov