Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette

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"On the outside the colonies are dirty and dangerous, unforgiving and uncivilized. But on the inside they GLOW. And that is why I am here. To learn. I want to return home able to touch France's black heart and make it glow once more."

―Lafayette to Connor about why he participated in the American Revolutionary War.

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (1757 – 1834) often known as simply Lafayette, was a French aristocrat and military officer born in south central France. During the American Revolutionary War, Lafayette served as a Major-General in the Continental Army under George Washington.

Biography

Early life

Lafayette was born and raised as a French aristocrat and pursued a military career when he was young. In 1777, the Continental Congress requested French aid in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette volunteered and eager to join the Patriot cause for freedom and independence from the British. However, King George of France refused to allow Lafayette to leave his post in the French Army and even threatened to confiscate his newly purchased ship, La Victoire.

Lafayette journeyed to Spain to find another means of reaching the colonies, during which he was closely pursued by King George's spies, who intended to capture and arrest him for desertion. Eventually, Lafayette found passage on board a ship destined to America and disguised himself as a woman to avoid detection.

Joining the Revolution

Upon his arrival, the Congress were concerned that Lafayette was only participating for fame and glory. To prove his sincerity and as a show of good faith, Lafayette offered to be commissioned for free. Lafayette was commissioned into the Continental Army and was assigned as a field secretary to George Washington in Valley Forge encampment with the rank of Major General.

During the Battle of Brandywine, Lafayette demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and aptitude in battle. Despite the fact that the Patriots were defeated in the battle and was wounded, Lafayette was commended for organizing and leading an orderly retreat which saved hundreds of lives.

Lafayette became a trusted subordinate and good friend to Washington. He also met Washington's most trusted ally, Connor. The two discussed the progression of the war. Lafayette reminisced about his experiences and also hoped to one day be able invite Connor to France once the war was over.

Battle of Monmouth

On June 28, 1778, Lafayette led the contingency forces during the Battle of Monmouth, in an attempt to stop the British Army's march from Philadelphia to New York. General Charles Lee took command of Lafayette's forces, but inexplicably left, leaving the battalion unorganized and unprepared. The advancing British Army soon after arrived, however Connor offered to help. Lafayette offered his personal guard to Connor who proceeded to hold a defensive line against the Redcoats, while Lafayette organized a retreat, both their efforts saved many lives of Continental Army in process.

Lafayette with Washington and Connor.

Lafayette's remaining soldiers withdrew and regrouped with Washington's forces. Connor revealed that Lee was a traitor, explaining that he abandoned his post to force Washington to suffer heavy losses in battle in order to force him to be appear incompetent or killed in battle to remove him from command. Lafayette vouched for Connor allegation against Lee, citing that Lee was acting strange. In the aftermath of the battle, Lee was charged of treason and dishonorably dismissed from his post, however he was spared execution.

Lafayette soon after returned to France on behalf of the Continental Army, where he requested and negotiated that the French provide more troops for the Patriots. He succeeded and returned to America with French reinforcements.

Infiltrating Fort George

Lafayette listening to Connor's plan.

In 1781, Lafayette visited the Davenport Homestead to help Connor gather a fleet to breach Fort George in New York. Connor participated in the Battle of Chesapeake, earning the trust of French Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse. With the support of French Navy ships to create a diversion, Connor planned to infiltrate Fort George and assassinate Charles Lee. Upon reaching New York, Lafayette and Stephane Chapheau greeted Connor and showed him the underground tunnel into the military district.

While underground Stephane and Lafayette discussed how having a King as a ruler would result in tyranny and hypocrisy, hence they argued that the people should have the right to elect their leaders, thus ending the threat of a monarchy.

Later life

After the war, Lafayette returned to his homeland of France and was a prominent figure in leading the French Revolution, bringing democracy and radical national reform to France. Lafayette also returned to America in 1820 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the revolution, during which he was hailed and honored as a hero during the war. Lafayette died of pneumonia in 1834.

Gallery

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  Concept art of Lafayette.
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  Lafayette greeting Connor at the Battle of Monmouth.

Reference

• Assassin's Creed III