Throughout that horrible winter of 1777, as the fledgling American army suffered a series of setbacks and settled in to the winter camp at Valley Forge, one man seemed to not understand what was going on.  While others in the camp were dispirited, he was excited.  While many thought their cause was lost, he was certain of victory.  Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yve s-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier, also known as the marquis de La Fayette, had crossed the ocean to participate in the dream that was a free nation, and he wasn't about to let that dream end.