La Fayette rendered no serious military service to the American
cause. He arrived in time to fight in the battle of the
Brandywine. Washington praised him for his bravery and military
ardor and wrote to Congress that he was sensible, discreet, and
able to speak English freely. It was with an eye to the influence
in France of the name of the young noble that Congress advanced
him so rapidly. La Fayette was sincere and generous in spirit. He
had, however, little military capacity. Later when he might have
directed the course of the French Revolution he was found wanting
in force of character. The great Mirabeau tried to work with him
for the good of France, but was repelled by La Fayette's jealous
vanity, a vanity so greedy of praise that Jefferson called it a
"canine appetite for popularity and fame." La Fayette once said
that he had never bad a thought with which he could reproach
himself, and he boasted that he has mastered three kings--the
King of England in the American Revolution, the King of France,
and King Mob of Paris during the upheaval in France. He was
useful as a diplomatist rather than as a soldier. Later, in an
hour of deep need, Washington sent La Fayette to France to ask
for aid. He was influential at the French court and came back
with abundant promises, which were in part fulfilled.
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