This favourable moment was seized by the Count D'Estaing, who sailed, on the 3d of November, for the West Indies.
Thus terminated an expedition from which the most important advantages had been anticipated.

A variety of accidents had defeated plans judiciously formed, which had every probability in their favour.
The Marquis de Lafayette, ambitious of fame on another theatre, was desirous of returning to France.

Expecting war on the continent of Europe, he was anxious to tender his services to his king, and to his native country.
From motives of real friendship as well as of policy, General Washington was desirous of preserving the connexion of this officer with the army, and of strengthening his attachment to America.

He therefore expressed to congress his wish that Lafayette, instead of resigning his commission, might have unlimited leave of absence, to return when it should be convenient to himself; and might carry with him every mark of the confidence of the government.
This policy was adopted by congress in its full extent.

The partiality of America for Lafayette was well placed.