Lafayette - Lamp Lighter of Liberty

The NBC University of the Air presents We Came This Way. Stories of the men of yesterday who fought for freedom of the human mind, spirit and body. With Clifton Utley as the narrator, here is Chapter 12, The Story of Lafayette, Landplighter of Liberty.

We Came This Way. In the year 1757 there came into the world a boy, heir to the noble French name of Lafayette. In the south, court favor were his from birth, for he was the Marquis de Lafayette.

Revolution against the English king at the gun in America. And by rights, this personable upland, this nobleman, should have stood in fear of these revolutionary ideas. Instead, he raised his voice and his sword for the new concept of freedom.

This boy had a vision. The moment I heard of America, I loved her. I knew she was fighting for freedom. I burned with a desire of leading for her. And the moment I shall be able to serve her at any time or in any part of the world, will be the happiest one of my life.

Fine words, you say? Here with a young man prepared to back them up. Against the orders of the king of France, he obtained the promise of a commission as major general in the American army and leaving his family behind, sales for America.

Call it eagerness, call it the Calvinist of youth, if you will. But he expected to be received with open arms by the American Congress in Philadelphia. But, what happened? Well, in the street, Mr. Secord?

I'm sorry, Marquis, but yes, in the street. So be it, if the Congress wishes to meet me, in the street here comes Mr. Lovell now, one of our most distinguished members. And Mr. Lovell, sir.