Jean-Louis-Paul-François de Noailles, 5th Duke of Noailles

The year 1776 had seen delicate negotiations between American agents in Paris, including Silas Deane, and Louis XVI and his foreign minister, Comte Charles de Vergennes.

The king and his minister hope that by supplying the Americans with arms and officers, they might restore French influence in North America, and exact revenge against Britain for the loss in the Seven Years' War.

When the young Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, heard that French officers were being sent to America, he had demanded to be among them.

He met Deane, and gained inclusion despite his youth.

On December 7, 1776, Deane had enlisted Lafayette as a major general.

The plan to send French officers (as well as other aid) to America comes to nothing when the British hear of it and threatened war.

Lafayette's father-in-law, de Noailles, had scolded the young man and told him to go to London and visit the Marquis de Noailles, the ambassador to Britain and Lafayette's uncle by marriage, which he did in February 1777.

In the interim, he did not abandon his plans to go to America.

Lafayette had been presented to George III, and spent three weeks in London society.

On his return to France, he goes into hiding from his father-in-law (and superior officer), writing to him that he is planning to go to America.

De Noailles is furious, and persuades Louis to issue a decree forbidding French officers from serving in America, specifically naming Lafayette.

Vergennes may have persuaded the king to order Lafayette's arrest, though this is uncertain.

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.