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The Curious Bag
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A wealthy Frenchman, Marquis de Lafayette is famous for his assistance to the colonial army during the American Revolutionary War.
Birth
The birth date of Marquis de Lafayette was September 6, 1757. His birth place was Auvergne, France and his full birth name was Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier.
Adulthood
Following the death of his father and grandparents, he inherited a large sum of money. In 1771 Lafayette became a member of the royal army and, in 1773, married Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, a relative of the king.
Mission
In 1775, Lafayette learned of the American struggle to gain independence from Britain. He bought a ship and sailed to America with the intention of assisting the colonies.
Commission
On July 31, 1777, the American Congress commissioned Lafayette as an American major general. Soon afterward he met George Washington, and they remained friends throughout their lives.
Victories
Lafayette served loyally on Washington's staff at Valley Forge and subsequent battles. Upon a return visit to France in 1779, Lafayette was able to convince the French government to send aid to America, making him a U.S. hero.
Source:
Historic Valley Forge: Who Served Here? The Marquis de Lafayette
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