"A ship forever linked to the legend of La Fayette"

"From the first moment I heard the word America spoken, I loved her; as soon as I learned she was fighting for liberty, I burned with desire to spill my blood for her; I will, always and everywhere, consider the days of my service to her among the happiest of my life." La Fayette

Summer 1776, relations finally break down between England and the "rebels", the partisans for the independence of the English colonies in North America.

In January 1779, upon his return from America, where he had volunteered to serve the American cause, a 21 year-old French gentleman named Gilbert Motier, Marquis de La Fayette works to gain the official backing of France.

He was able to convince King Louis XVI and his military advisors to provide military and financial support to General Washington's troops.

On March 21, 1780, the young major general La Fayette embarked aboard the Hermione. He was leaving to fight along side the American insurgents fighting for their independence.

He landed in Boston after a 38-day crossing, to join General Washington and announce the imminent arrival of French reinforcements.

Eighteen months later, La Fayette joined the American insurgents, winning decisive sea victories on Chesapeake Bay and then on land in Yorktown, with the support of French troops led by Rochambeau and de Grasse.