Three years ago when I first began reading Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution, I never dreamed I would learn the things I have.
Because I am so busy reading a pile of other school books from other historical eras, I decided to make this book my “enjoyable pastime” book, so I can savor the heroic adventures of the idealistic Lafayette.
Recently my readings in this book have taken me to the French Revolution, full of details that fill in the scant facts that I knew of Lafayette heading the National Guard and his quest to bridge the gap between the social classes for the peaceful establishment of a constitutional monarchy, which led to his ultimate imprisonment.
Surprisingly the journey of Lafayette had powerful detours of meaning from none other than Napoleon.
The author has rendered me so speechless about many things, that I’m not sure I can articulate the impact of what I have learned.
The most bizarre thing for me to read is that Europe saw Lafayette as public enemy number one, seeing him as a key instigator to the French Revolution.
Austria imprisoned Lafayette when he fled France.
Although President Washington tried to gain release from prison for Lafayette, he was treading on thin ice due to political tensions from abroad.
While the preservation of America was at stake, his adopted son was suffering in prison.
All of Washington’s political advisors warned him of any involvement.
Finally, Washington couldn’t take it anymore and openly took Lafayette’s son (who had escaped France) into his home.
Typically known for his stoic reserve, the written descriptions from and about President Washington toward George Washington Lafayette are quite warm and affectionate.
President Washington then used his powers of persuasion to gain Lafayette’s release.
According to the book Washington’s letter merely ended up in a pile with other letters from concerned American citizens for their beloved friend.
Lafayette remained suffering in jail.
Suddenly the announcement came that Lafayette’s release was imminent, at the hands of none other than Napoleon!
Although that much I knew, I had no idea exactly how he succeeded.
Napoleon’s successful attack on Austria set the ball in motion.
Then letters, on the condition that Lafayette not return to France, clinched the deal.
Lafayette was an unwanted man.
France’s lower class saw him as an upper-class traitor, while the powerful elite in France saw Lafayette as a threat to their existence.
Europe viewed Lafayette as an instigator.
Meanwhile America continued to love their French hero from the American Revolution.
How did that animosity happen, when Lafayette tried to be the bridge to temper the zeal of the lower classes and tame the power of the autocratic monarchy?
Although I know the basics of what happens next, I am on pins and needles wondering about the details.
I left off where Lafayette has finally been freed.
Stay tuned as I discover what happens next!
