the
first moments of it, of my protection and support. His conduct,
since he first set his feet on American ground, has been exemplary
in every point of view, such as has gained him the esteem,
affection, and confidence of all who have had the pleasure of his
acquaintance. His filial affection and duty, and his ardent desire
to embrace his parents and sisters in the first moments of their
release, would not allow him to wait the authentic account of this
much-desired event; but, at the same time that I suggested the
propriety of this, I could not withhold my assent to the
gratification of his wishes to fly to the arms of those whom he
holds most dear, persuaded as he is, from the information he has
received, that he shall find you all in Paris.

"M. Frestel has been a true Mentor to George. No parent could have
been more attentive to a favorite son; and he richly merits all
that can be said of his virtues, of his good sense, and of his
prudence. Both your son and he carry with them the vows and regrets
of this family and all who know them. And you may be assured that
yourself never stood higher in the affections of the people of this
country than at the present moment."[88]

FOOTNOTES:

[86] Randall's Life of Jefferson, ii, 268.

[87] The late Richard Rush relates an interesting incident, illustrative
of the feelings of Washington on account of the misfortunes of his noble
friend. Mr. Bradford, the attorney-general, who lived directly opposite
the residence of Washington, was spending an evening with the president,
when the conversation reverted to Lafayette. Washington spoke with great
seriousness, contrasted the marquis's hitherto splendid career with that
of his present forlorn and suffering condition; and at length became so
deeply affected that his eyes filled with tears, and his whole great
soul was stirred to its very depths. "Magnanimous tears they were," says
Mr. Rush, "fit for the first of heroes to shed--virtuous, honorable,
sanctified!" Mr. Bradford, who deeply sympathized with the feelings of
Washington, was much affected at the spectacle, and, retiring to his own
house, wrote some simple and touching verses, called the "Lament of
Washington." They were an impromptu effusion from his heart.

[88] See _Mount Vernon and its Associations_, pages 285-293, inclusive.

CHAPTER XXXI.

WASHINGTON'S SE