learned of American from King Georges brother, the Fuke of Gloucester who was visiting France
His brother was pro american
Father at 18
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais French agent in America, writer of The Barber of Seville
Bought his own ship to get to America as travel banned by French government
changed motto to cur non: why not?
Met King George just before going to America
54 days at sea
150 days from leaving his family in Paris till getting to Philadelphia
40 days from Landing, 94 from leaving Europe
Became friends with Washington
Shot in the foot at first battle, didn't notice
While injured reformed fleeing troops to protect bridge
Mutiny on board ship back to France
When times change, history must change to keep up
Jefferson was Governor of Virginia from 1776
Became friends with James Madison on a diplomatic mission to the Iroquois while on holiday in America
Bought an estate in the Caribbean to turn its slabs into freedmen and let them run it
Drafted the first bill of rights in France
Jefferson proof read
Designed the uniforms of the national guard that are still in use
Charged with Treason while a general in the French army
Fled to Neatherlands, asked for American support and was refused
James Monroe, American Ambassador to France saved the Lafayettes by hinting that America would turn to Britain if they where harmed
His wife's family was executed 7 days before the reign of terror ended
Lafayette tried to escape prison and his conspirators wrote letters with secret ink
George his son lived with Washington for two years
Expelled from Austria & France, to sick to go to America
Hamilton told him not to come as France had annoyed America
Saw his son for first time in 6 years; 12-18
Adriene told him when to come back during when Napoleon took over; left 2 hrs after the letter reached him
Becamce friends with Napoleon's brother Joseph
Wrote all the time with Napoleon even though he disagreed with his politics
When Napoleon was warned about Lafayette said "he will never say more that what he says to my face"
Had a dinner with Joseph & Lord Cornwallis
Napoleon to the Council of State "All France is chastened. I know only one man who is not, that is Lafayette: He has never retreated a line."
Was a leader in the failed revelation of 1821
Invited to America by president Monroe
First visit to America in 40 years
Traveled with Eliza and Alexander Jr
When asked what Hamilton meant to Lafayette, he reflected on his friend, now dead twenty years, "Hamilton was to me more than a friend, he was a brother... our friendship forged in days of peril and glory suffered no diminution from time." He then added wistfully, "We were both very young."
Met with Joseph Bonaparte at his farm
Thomas Jefferson & John Adams bother died on July 4 1826, 50 anniversary of the Declaration of Independence