Lafayette

Lafayette, Marquis de (1757-1834), took a leading part in the American War of Independence; he was entrusted by Washington with the defence of Virginia, and took part in the battle of Yorktown. After the war he returned to his native country, and endeavoured to make his influence felt in the French revolution; he was disliked, however, on account of his moderation, and was in 1796 captured by the Austrians. Liberated by Bonaparte, he again entered the field of politics after the latter's fall.