Marquis+de+Lafayette

Marquis de Lafayette by Alek Leiphart

Marquis de Lafayette was born in Auvergne, France on September 6, 1757. Both of his parents were dead by the time he was 13 and was left an orphan. He married at the age of 16 to one of the most influential families in France. He then entered the guards to follow the career of his father. When the english colonies in America annouced there seperation from england he was 19 and a captain of the dragoons.



On December 7, 1776 an arrangment was made that he was to enter the American services as a Major-General. When he arrived in America he was 19 and spoke very little english. He went to the American congress and demanded that he would be appointed the highest rank under commander-in-chief. The congress did not grant him that and he understood and then only would join if he was treated like a volunteer.

Lafayettes first battle was the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. During the battle he showed great courage and was wounded. After the battle he was the appointed to be commander of a division. He never had many troops to command and didnt possess very many military talents.

He left America for about 6 months to return to France. When he returned he was put in charge of the defense of virginia. He was so nice that he bought his soldiers neccesitys on his own account. Lafeyettes last battle was the battle of yorktown where he played a very important role.