Phenix Gazette

During the American war, a general officer in the service of the United States, advanced with a score of men under the English batteries to reconnoitre their position. His aide de camp, struck by a ball, fell at his side. The officers and orderly dragoons fled precipitately. The general, though under the fire of the cannon, approached the wounded man to see whether he had any signs of life remaining, or whether any help could be afforded him. Finding the wound had been mortal, he turned his eyes away with emotion, and slowly rejoined the group which had got out of the reach of the pieces.

This instance of courage and humanity took place at the battle of Monmouth. Gen. Clinton, who commanded the English troops, knew that the Marquis de La Fayette generally rode upon a white horse; it was upon a white that the general officer who retired so slowly was mounted: Clinton desired the gunners not to fire. This noble forbearance probably saved M. de La Fayette's life, for it was he himself. At that time he was but twenty-two years of age.