Lafayette's Study of English

Lafayette spent his time reading military manuals and books in english. His only military experience was two summers of manoeuvres in metz. He knew he needed to learn more to succeed in america. The vast majority of french officers presenting themselves to congress spoke only french. As french was the language of civilized people, they assumed this would not be an issue. Lafayette, on the other hand, resolved to learn the language of the people one hoped to serve. A long stretch of calm winds only prolonged lafayette's misery.