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 1 Share Now -
My grand affair appears settled, for America is certain of her independence, humanity has gained her cause, and liberty will never be without a place of refuge. - Marquis de Lafayette 2 Share Now -
All the evils of France have been produced less by the perversity of the wicked and the violence of fools than by the hesitation of the weak, the compromises of conscience, and the tardiness of patriotism. Let every deputy, every Frenchman show what he feels, what he thinks, and we are saved! - Marquis de Lafayette 3 Share Now -
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 4 Share Now -
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 5 Share Now -
When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensible of duties. - Marquis de Lafayette 6 Share Now -
Nature has made men free and equal. The distinctions necessary for social order are only founded on general utility. - Marquis de Lafayette 7 Share Now -
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 8 Share Now -
Never was a man further from a partiality for Spain than I am. But I think I now have left them in a sincere and steady intention to cultivate the friendship of America. - Marquis de Lafayette 9 Share Now -
May the States be so bound to each other as forever to defy European politics. Upon that union, their consequence, their happiness, will depend. This is the first wish of a heart more truly American than words can express. - Marquis de Lafayette 10 Share Now -
