Vergennes also secured the cooeperation of Spain with France, for Spain had views against England, and she agreed that if a readjustment of sovereignty were coming in America, it would be prudent for her to be on hand to press her own claims.

On February 6, 1778, the treaty between France and America was signed.[1] Long before this, however, a young French enthusiast who proved to be the most conspicuous of all the foreign volunteers, the Marquis de Lafayette, had come over with magnificent promises from Silas Deane.

On being told, however, that the Congress found it impossible to ratify Deane's promises, he modestly requested to enlist in the army without pay.

Washington at once took a fancy to him and insisted on his being a member of the Commander's family.
[Footnote 1: The treaty was ratified by Congress May 4, 1778.] While Burgoyne's surrendered army was marching to Boston and Cambridge, to be shut up as prisoners, Washington was taking into consideration the best place in which to pass the winter.

Several were suggested, Wilmington, Delaware, and Valley Forge--about twenty-five miles from Philadelphia--being especially urged upon him.