He had, however, little military capacity.

Later when he might have directed the course of the French Revolution he was found wanting in force of character.

The great Mirabeau tried to work with him for the good of France, but was repelled by La Fayette's jealous vanity, a vanity so greedy of praise that Jefferson called it a "canine appetite for popularity and fame." La Fayette once said that he had never bad a thought with which he could reproach himself, and he boasted that he has mastered three kings--the King of England in the American Revolution, the King of France, and King Mob of Paris during the upheaval in France.

He was useful as a diplomatist rather than as a soldier.

Later, in an hour of deep need, Washington sent La Fayette to France to ask for aid.