occasions serious embarrassments; to which is added, that some
circumstances of delicacy relative to the family in which they are
placed, make an immediate removal proper." He further informed him that
they were about to depart for New York, where they expected to be
accommodated in the country-house of a French gentleman, their friend,
where they would remain in retirement, until they should receive further
directions from Washington. Mr. Cabot gave them letters to Colonel
Wadsworth and Colonel Hamilton, and they departed.

In November, soon after his return to Philadelphia, Washington wrote an
affectionate letter to young Lafayette, in which, after telling him the
causes which rendered it necessary for them both to be circumspect, and
desiring him to repair with his tutor to Colonel Hamilton, in the city
of New York, who would see that they were well provided for, he said:--

"How long the causes which have withheld you from me may continue,
I am not able at this moment to decide; but be assured of my wishes
to embrace you, so soon as they shall have ceased, and that,
whenever the period arrives, I shall do it with fervency. In the
meantime, let me begin with fatherly advice to you to apply closely
to your studies, that the season of your youth may be improved to
the utmost, that you may be found the deserving son of a
meritorious father." To M. Frestel, Washington wrote at the same
time, after directing him to read his letter to his pupil: "To the
above I shall just add, that, as the preceptor and friend of M. de
Lafayette, I pray you to count upon my attentions and friendship,
and learn that it is my expectation that you will accompany him in
whatever situation he may be placed; and moreover that you will let
me know, at all times, what he has occasion for."

The Congress at length took official notice of the presence of the son
of Lafayette; and on the eighteenth of March, 1796, the house of
representatives passed the following resolution and order:--

"Information having been given to this house that a son of General
Lafayette is now within the United States; _Resolved_, that a
committee be appointed to inquire into the truth of the said
information, and report thereon; and what measures it would be
proper to take if the same be true, to evince the grateful sense
entertained by the country for the services of his