Lafayette and the American RevolutionBy: Russell Freedman When the Marquis de Lafayette ran off to join the American Revolution against the explicit orders of the king of France, he was a strong willed nineteen year old who had never set foot on a battlefield. Although the U. S. Congress granted him an honorary commission only out of respect for his title and wealth, Lafayette quickly earned the respect of his fellow officers with his bravery, devotion to the cause of liberty, and