merican cause was very low.
The marquis resolved to go to America at his own expense.

He sailed for that country in May, 1777. He landed off the coast of the
Carolinas in June, and made his memorable ride across the country to
Philadelphia in that month. Baron de Kalb accompanied him.

On landing on the shores of the Carolinas, he and Baron de Kalb knelt
down on the sand, at night under the stars, and in the name of God
dedicated their swords to liberty.

The departure of these two officers for America filled all France with
delight. Lafayette had seen that it would be so; that his going would
awaken an enthusiasm in the circles of the court and among the people
favorable to America; that it would aid the American envoys in their
mission. It was the mountain grenadiers that made the final charges at
the siege of Yorktown under the inspiring motto of _Auvergne sans tache_
(Auvergne without a stain).

Franklin now dwelt at beautiful Passy on the hill, and his residence
there was more like a princely court than the house of an ambassador. He
gave his heart and life and influence to seeking an alliance between
France and the States. The court was favorable to the alliance, but the
times and the constitution of the kingdom made the king slow, cautious,
and diplomatic.

The American cause wavered. The triumphs of Lord Howe filled England
with rejoicing and Passy with alarm.

In the midst of the depression at Passy there came a messenger from
Massachusetts who brought to Franklin the news of Burgoyne's surrender.
When Dr. Franklin was told that this messenger was in the courtyard of
Passy, he rushed out to meet him.

"Sir, is Philadelphia taken?"

"Yes, sir."

Franklin clasped his hands.

"But, sir, I have other news. Burgoyne and his army are prisoners of
war!"

Great was the rejoicing at Passy and in Paris. The way to an alliance
appeared now to open to the envoys.

"O Mr. Austin," Dr. Franklin used to say to the young messenger from
Massachusetts, "you brought us glorious news!"

The tidings was followed by other news in Passy. December 17, 1777, was
a great and joyful day there. A minister came to the envoys there to
announce that the French Government was ready to conclude an agreement
with the United States, and to make a formal treaty of alliance to help
them in the cause of independence.

The cause was won, but the treaty was yet delayed. There were articles
in it that led to long debates.

But in