In my idea General Washington is the greatest man; for I look upon him as the most virtuous. Marquis de Lafayette More Quotes by Marquis de Lafayette More Quotes From Marquis de Lafayette My heart has always been truly convinced that in serving the cause of America, I am fighting for the interests of France. Marquis de Lafayette i-amfightingheartamerica I gave my heart to the Americans and thought of nothing else but raising my banner and adding my colors to theirs. Marquis de Lafayette nothingcolorspatriotismheart The good fortune of America is closely tied to the good fortune of all humanity. Marquis de Lafayette goodhumanityfortuneamerica The Emperor Napoleon, ascending gradually from his post of national magistrate to seat himself upon a throne without limits, seems to have wished to punish, as for the abuse of republican reforms, by making us feel all the weight of absolute monarchy. Marquis de Lafayette withoutfeelabuselimits It was by a Maryland colonel in the year 1777 that the British received, in the gallant defense of an important fort, one of the first lessons of what they were to expect from American valor and patriotism. Marquis de Lafayette expectyearpatriotismimportant Though my conduct on the 10th of August 1792 was the act of my life of which I have most reason to be proud, I will here merely do homage to the worthy martyrs of the national sovereignty and the sworn laws, who, while they supported constitutional royalty, manifested the highest degree of republican virtue. Marquis de Lafayette my-lifewillproudlife Let not ambition take possession of you; love the friends of the people, but reserve blind submission for the law and enthusiasm for liberty. Marquis de Lafayette youfriendslovepeople The continental troops have as much courage and real discipline as those that are opposed to them. They are more inured to privation, more patient than Europeans, who, on these two points, cannot be compared to them. Marquis de Lafayette disciplinepatientrealcourage I became obnoxious to the Jacobins because I reprobated their aristocracy, which aimed at usurping all legitimate authority. Marquis de Lafayette whichbecausearistocracyauthority Nature has made men free and equal. The distinctions necessary for social order are only founded on general utility. Marquis de Lafayette freeequalitynaturemen I am astonished but not discouraged by my enormous responsibility. Devoted both from affection and duty to the cause of the people, I shall combat with equal ardor aristocracy, despotism, and faction. Marquis de Lafayette i-amdutyresponsibilitypeople Laws must be clear, precise, and uniform for all citizens. Marquis de Lafayette uniformlawsmustclear I experience for the American officers and soldiers that friendship which arises from having shared with them for a length of time dangers, sufferings, and both good and evil fortune. Marquis de Lafayette goodexperiencetimefriendship The king knows with what ardor and perseverance I have at all times been devoted to the cause of liberty and to the principles of humanity, equality and justice. Marquis de Lafayette kingequalityperseverancejustice Any commands which Congress may have for me shall be cheerfully executed by one of their earliest soldiers, whose happiness it is to think that, at a less smiling moment, he had the honor to be adopted by America, and whose blood, exertions, and affections will in her good times, as they have been in her worst, be entirely at her service. Marquis de Lafayette goodmemomenthappiness Defender of the liberty that I idolize, myself more free than anyone, in coming as a friend to offer my services to this intriguing republic, I bring to it only my frankness and my good will; no ambition, no self-interest; in working for my glory, I work for their happiness. Marquis de Lafayette goodmyselfworkhappiness From an early period, I had the happiness to rank among the foremost in the American Revolution. In the affection and confidence of the people, I am proud to say, I have a great share. Marquis de Lafayette i-amconfidencehappinesspeople The American women are very pretty and have great simplicity of character, and the extreme neatness of their appearance is truly delightful: cleanliness is everywhere even more studiously attended to here than in England. Marquis de Lafayette greatwomensimplicitycharacter
