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Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser
Alexandria, Virginia
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Anecdote from the American Revolutionary War: Marquis de la Fayette, at age 22, bravely checks on his mortally wounded aide under British fire at the Battle of Monmouth. British General Clinton recognizes him on his white horse and orders his gunners not to fire, sparing his life.
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This old friend of America is not the only surviving General of Washington's army, and it is said is about making a visit to this country, where he will be received with an affectionate welcome.
The following anecdote of this General is in a note, in Madame Campan's Memoirs of Marie Antoinette.
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 aid de camp, struck by a ball, fell at his side. The officers and orderly cragoons 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. General Clinton who commanded the English troops, knew that the Marquis de la Fayette generally rode a white horse; it was upon a white horse 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.
[Historical Anecdotes of the reign of Louis 16.
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At The Battle Of Monmouth
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During The American War, At The Battle Of Monmouth
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During the Battle of Monmouth, Marquis de la Fayette advances to reconnoitre under English batteries. His aide-de-camp is killed, others flee, but La Fayette checks the body under fire, then slowly withdraws on his white horse. British General Clinton recognizes him and orders not to fire, saving his life at age 22.