For this great movement the letters of Lafayette had helped to prepare the way.
His heart rejoiced when he found that this point of vantage had been gained.
He was the first to receive the news of the treaty.
He went with the tidings to Washington. It revealed to the strong leader the future.
Washington was a man of silence, but his heart was touched; a sense of gratitude to Heaven seemed to inspire him.
“Let public thanksgivings of gratitude ascend to Heaven,” he said. “Assemble the brigades, and let us return thanks to God.”
The brigades were assembled. The cannon boomed! Songs of joy arose and prayers were said.