Lafayette has learned that the Continental Congress…

April 1777 CE

Lafayette has learned that the Continental Congress lacks funds for his voyage; hence, he acquires the sailing ship Victoire with his own money, for 112,000 pounds.

He journeys to Bordeaux, where Victoire is being prepared for her trip, and sends word asking for information on his family's reaction.

The response, including letters from his wife and other relatives, throws Lafayette into emotional turmoil.

Soon after departure, he orders the ship turned around and returns to Bordeaux, to the frustration of the officers traveling with him.

The army commander here orders Lafayette to report to his father-in-law's regiment in Marseilles.

De Broglie, who hopes to become a military and political leader in America, meets with Lafayette in Bordeaux and persuades him that the government actually wants him to go.

This is not true, though there is considerable public support for Lafayette in Paris, where the American cause is popular.

Lafayette wants to believe it, and pretends to comply with the order to report to Marseilles, going only a few miles east before turning around and returning to his ship.

Victoire sets sail for the United States on April 20, 1777.

Locations
Pauillac Gironde Nouvelle-Aquitaine France View →

People
Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette View → Jean-Louis-Paul-François de Noailles, 5th Duke of Noailles View → Victor François de Broglie View →

Groups
Massachusetts, Province of (English Crown Colony) View → Britain, Kingdom of Great View → Nova Scotia (British Colony) View → Georgia, Province of (British Colony) View → Quebec (British Province) View → Sons of Liberty View → Rhode Island, State of (U.S.A.) View → Maryland, State of (U.S.A.) View → Virginia, Commonwealth of (U.S.A.) View → North Carolina, State of (U.S.A.) View → South Carolina, State of (U.S.A.) View → Delaware, State of (U.S.A.) View → Connecticut, State of (U.S.A.) View → New Hampshire, State of (U.S.A.) View → New Jersey, State of (U.S.A.) View → Pennsylvania, Commonwealth of (U.S.A.) View → United States of America (US, USA) (Philadelphia PA) View → New York, independent state of View → Vermont, Republic of View →

Topics
American Revolutionary War, or American War of Independence View →

Commodities
Weapons View →

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Commerce View → Labor and Service View → Conflict View → Faith View → Government View → Technology View →

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