Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1756-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more
Image provided by: Oklahoma Historical Society
Newspaper Page Text
The Indian Advocate. Devoted to the Interests of the Indian Missions. Vol. XI. OCTOBER, 1899. No. 4. LAFAYETTE IN AMERICA AND FRANCE. BV OltAKLKS J. O'Mam.ky. IV. After an uneventful voyage, Lafa yette entered Boston harbor April 27, 17S0. The next day he landed amid the roar of cannon, the crash of music and the acclamation of the multitude. The common people were glad to see this strong man return to them from over seas. The next day he hurried to camp and communicated his glorious news to Washington. France was to help America, and, up to this time America, the struggling, the heroic virgin, knew it not. The most Catholic nations of earth France and Spain in a new world had resolved to set up a temple of liberty wherein all the races and tribes of men might worship in peace. On the 13th day of May he again of fered his services to Congress, which again accepted his aid with a public resolution of thanks. When the French fleet arrived, a thrill of gratitude to ward the young Marquis ran through the breast of every American. When again he took his place in the army, it was a spectacle not soon forgotten. From the gray and grizzled generals down to the commonest soldier, all knew that this man again had left wife and home, and friends and country to battle with them for the cause they loved. The honesty of the humblest French soldier, with whom the colonists were associated, excited the higest admira tion on the part of the Americans. With a pardonable pride of the honor and discipline of his countrymen, La fayette remarks in one of his letters to Washington, at this time : " Chickens and pigs walk between the tents (of the French soldiers ) without being dis turbed, and there is in the camp a corn field, of which not one leaf has been touched. The Tories don't know what to make of it." The Tories, it may be said, had all along been stating that these French emissaries of the Pope would hang, burn, quarter and destroy everyone and everything that might happen to lay in their path. Even to day the Pope is much dreaded in num erous little halls located above fourth class bar-rooms. Washington, filled with gratitude in again beholding his friend, presented him with a light infantry corps of two thousand men, for the most part un clothed, but all brave and patriotic. These the Marquis furnished with clothes at his own expense, and pre sented each officer with a sword. Mean while the nation waited the burst of the gathering storm. Suddenly, the treason of Benedict Arnold broke upon the world like a lightning-flash. It was sudden, unexpected, paralyzing. The execution of Andre followed. Then, gathering herself for a final effort, En gland added re-enforcement to re-enforcement, as the winter advanced.