IN AMERICA
Accompanied by Baron de Kalb, Lafayette safely reached America, and presented his credentials to Congress.
Washington met him first at a dinner in Philadelphia. He was so pleased with Lafayette’s eager, brave spirit, and with his unselfish offer of sword and fortune for the American cause, that he invited him to become a member of his family, and to make Headquarters his home.
Lafayette was delighted, and immediately had his luggage taken to the camp. And from that time on, he was always a welcome guest both at camp and at Mount Vernon.
ON THE FIELD NEAR CAMDEN
What became of Lafayette’s companion, the Baron de Kalb?
He served his adopted country, the United States, until at the battle near Camden, he fell, still fighting though pierced by eleven wounds.
“The rebel General! the rebel General!” shouted the British soldiers who saw him fall. And they rushed forward to transfix him with their bayonets.
But his faithful adjutant tried to throw himself on the Baron’s body to shield it, crying out at the same time, “Spare the Baron de Kalb!”
The rough soldiers raised the wounded Baron to his feet, and, leaning him against a wagon, began to strip him.