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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1943

OF THE TOCR OE
GENERAL LAFAYETTE
ON HIS LATE VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, 1824 ;
COMPRISING THE ADDRESSES OF THE
town and city authorities,
With the answers of the general :
ANNEXED TO WHICH, ARE
3M Q&nuMiral Notices of ftfe "MU :
TOGETHER WITH SOME OF THE MOST APPROVED
SPECIMEN'S OF POE TRY,
ADDRESSED TO HIM ON HIS ARRIVAL.
BY JOHrTioSTER.

Sit mihi fas audita loqui.
Hse libi erunt artes ; pacisque irnpontre morem,
Parcere subjectit, et debellart superbos. — viro.

PORTLAND :
HUNTED AT THE STATESMAN OFFICE, ET A. W. THAYER.
1824.

Bialrici of Maine, ss.
¦ gjS&oosgg BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this seventeenth day of Septem-;
?i L. S. a Der> m tne J^ar of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and.
;•; ' >i twenty four, and the forty ninth year of the independence of
_j:x:x:xn:.:_3 the United States of America, Mr. JOHN FOSTER, of the Dis
trict of Maine, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof
he claims as Author, in the words following", viz. t
" A sketch oi the Tour of General Lafayette, on. his late visit to the United
States, 1824 ; comprising the addresses of the town and city Authorities, with
the answers of the General : — annexed to which, are Biographical notices of
his Life : — together with some of the most approved specimens of Poetry, ad
dressed to him on his arrival. — By JOHN POSTER. Sit rciihi fas. audita loqui.
— Hx tibi enlnt artes ; pacisdue imponere morem, Parcere subjteclis, et debel-
lare superbos. — Virgil.
In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An'
Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts,
and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times
therein mentioned ;" and also to an act, entitled, " Ah Act supplementary to
an act erititled an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the
copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such
copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof
to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints."
JOHN MUSSEY, Clerk of the District Court of Maine,
A true copy as of Record,
Attest, J. MUSSEY, Chrk D. C. Maine.

PREFACE,
•The following history of the Tour of General Lafay
ette, is principally compiled from the most authentick
records which came within the author's reach.
It is. possible that many circumstances may have oc
curred, which are not minutely detailed in this volume,
but it is believed, no essential errors will be discovered;
and that in general, it will be found correct.
The principal object the author had in view, in sub
mitting this volume to the public, was, that the transac
tions, which occurred relative to the illustrious charac
ter, who forms the subject of the work, might be treas
ured up in a more durable form than they otherwise
would be ; that posterity may teach their children to
lisp the name of Lafayette with affection and rever
ence ; that gratitude may glow in their bosoms, when
are rehearsed to them the " noble deeds,*' of that
friend to our country, to liberty, and to the rights 6f
man ! — for the name of J_afaye'tte must ever be asso
ciated with all that is great, and good, and glorious, in
the human character.
With these few prefatory remarks, the volume is
respectfully submitted to the consideration of a candid
public. '* Portland, September 2, 1824.

Site ten of tUr Hife of
GENERAL LAFAYETTE;

The following sketch of the life of Lafayette embra
ces only that period in which he so successfully corn-
batted, and counteracted the designs of an invading foe.
In connexion with this article will be found, a sketch of
his character, by Lady Morgan, selected and abridged
from her memoir of the General.
By a perusal of the following sketches, every lover of
his country, every friend to liberty and the rights of man,
cannot but feel the spirit of grateful admiration burning
in his bosom, and hail him as the benefactor of nations.
They will see, (as an elegant writert has finely expres
sed it,) a man who has gone through good report and
evil report — one who has sounded all the depths and
shoals of honor — who has passed from every enjoyment
titles and wealth could give, to penury and a dungeon.
He has lived in a wonderful age. His career began as a
friend to freedom in this -country, and after having wit
nessed the success of our struggle, he attempted (o
teach his own countrymen something of the lesson he
had learned ; but the moral and natural elements -were
Dot the same ; — no mortal man could ride the whirl-

* It has of late been made a question, whether this distinguished person
still retains the title of Marquis. On this point we have no more correct in
formation than is found in his answer, as made in the court of Assizes in Paris,
on the 7th of February last, (1824) when called as a witness.
* Before I retire," said the General, " I wish to make one observation. — In
the instrument in which I am called as a witness, they give me tlie title of
J!f_rg„is,tvhich I have ceased to retain,*since the decree by the Constitutional
A_iembly, of December, 1790."
| S, L. Knapp, Esq.

u LAFAYETTE S LIFE.
wind, and direct the storm, after it was raised m Francs.
The wrath of contending principles was too great for
his agency, and it was well that all the good and great
were not swept away in it. The life of this good man
has been marked by rapid vicissitudes and strange
events. This last scene is in keeping with the former. —
He has passed from the strict scrutiny, and pitiful suspi
cion of a despotic police, to the arms of a free and grate
ful people, who have met him in a phrenzy of gratitude.
His triumph is more splendid and honorable than any
that was ever given before to a benefactor of mankind.
The triumphal cars of the Roman conquerors were
drawn by royal captives, and their degradation swelled
the victors' consequence. Tlie car of Lafayette will be
drawn, not through a single city, but through an immense
continent, by a band of high-mindod freemen ; and their,
elevation makes his triumph more glorious ! The for
mer was an offering from pride to ambition ; but this
comes from respect and gratitude.
" The name and character of this illustrious French
nobleman* will occupy a conspicuous place in our revolu
tionary annals, and, be honored by posterity no less for
his enthusiastic love of liberty, than for his heroism and
military renown. There is something truly romantic in
the history of this celebrated personage. In the year
1776, at the immature age of nineteen, he espoused the
cause of the Americans, and nobly resolved to afford our
country all possible assistance by his personal services
and influence. — At this era, the affairs of America were
bordering on despair, and were represented in France as
so deplorable that it might be supposed sufficient to sup-
* La Fayette was born nt Auvergne, in France, on the Glh of September
1757, and is now 67 years of age.— AuvergTve, before the revolution, wus a
province of France, bounded en«t by Torcz— -south by lloucrgue and Gevun-
_an ; — west by Limoges and Marclie ; — and north by Bourbonois : — about l'JO
miles long,- and 90 broad ; — it was usually divided into upper nnd lower •¦—
the climate of the latter is very temperate— but the former is very cold. Tin;
clouds hanging on the mountiiins tlie greater part of the year. Clermont is
the capital town. It now forms the two departments of Cantal 1'uy-de Dome
"The population is about 800,000.— Wonts. Gat.

LAFAYETTE S LIFE.
press the most determined zeal. Reports were propaga
ted in that country that our army, reduced to a more
rabble, was flying before an armv of thirty thousand reg
ulars ; nor was this very wide from the reality. In con
sequence of this, our commissioners found it impossible to
procure a vessel to convoy the Marquis, and their own
despatches to Congress ; they could not, therefore, feel
justified in encouraging his bold contemplated enter
prize. This embarrassment, however, had the effect of
increasing, rather than of restraining, his youthful ardor
and heroism. He imparted to the commissioners his de
termination to purchase and tit out a vessel to convev
himself and their despatches to America. This project
was deemed so extraordinary and important, that it did
not fail to engage universal attention. The French
court had not even declared a friendly intention towards
America ; but, on the contrary, were extremely cautious
of giving offence to the British government. Orders
were therefore gi\ en. prohibiting the departure of this
nobleman, and vessels were oven despatched to the
West Indies to intercept him, in ease ho should take that
route. The Marquis was apprized that he exposed him
self to tho loss of his fortune by the laws of France ; and
that, should lie fall into the hands of the English, on his
passage, he would be liable to a confinement ot uncertain
duratiou, and without a prospect of being exchanged. —
These considerations, however, did not deter him from
the attempt, and bidding adieu to his amiable consort,
and numerous endeared connexions, and trusting to good
fortune to favor his elopement, he embarked, and in due
time arrived safe in Charleston, in the summer of 1770.
He landed soon after the noble defence made bv Gene
ral Moultrie, at the fort on Sullivan's Island. Charmed
with the gallantry displayed by that General and his
bravo troops, the Marquis presented him with clothing.
arms, and equipments tor one hundred men. He met.
with a strong reception from our Congress, and thev im
mediately accepted his proffered ::?rvice-. Ho insisted

(J Lafayette's life*
that he would receive no compensation^ and that he
would commence his services as a volunteer. This no
ble philanthropist was received into the family of the
Commander in Chief, where a strong mutual attachment
was contracted, and he has often been called the adopted
son of Washington.
July 31st, 1777, Congress resolved, that " Whereas
the Marquis de la Fayette out of his great zeal to the
cause of liberty in which the United States are engaged,
has left his family and connexions, and at his own ex
pense come over to offer his services to the United
States, without pension or particular allowance, and is
anxious to risk his life in our cause — Resolved, that his
services be accepted, and that in consideration of his zeal,
illustrious family and connexions, he have the rank and
commission of major General in the army of the United,
States." At the battle of Brandy wine, Sept. 1777, the .Marquis
exhibited full proof of his undaunted bravery^ and milita
ry character, and received a wound in his leg. In May,
1778, with a select corps of two thousand five hundred
menj he crossed the Schuylkill, and took post above
twelve miles in front of our army at Valley Forge. A
quaker, in whose house he was to lodge, sent information
to the enemy, who formed an instantaneous design of
surprising him. Gen. Gray, on the night of the 19th
May, marched with seven thousand men, and by a skilful
movement got into the Marquis' rear, while another de
tachment was advancing to his front. The Marquis for
tunately gained intelligence of their approach, and by a
prompt decision effected his retreat and recrossed the
river in season to defeat the design of the enemy. Had
they succeeded, it must not only have proved fatal to the
Marquis and his detachment, but placed the remainder
of our army in a situation of extreme hazard. In Au
gust, 1778, the Marquis repaired to Rhode Island, to
assist in the expedition under Major General Sullivan,
in conjunction with .the Ffench fleet, and he received

Lafayette's life. 9
the particular approbation and applause of Congress for*
his judicious and highly important services. In January
1779, the Marquis embarked at Boston on a voyage to
France, and was subjectd to imminent danger from a con
spiracy among the sailors, a great part of whom were
British. He returned in May, -1780, bringing the joyful
intelligence that a French fleet and army would soon ar
rive on our Coast. — Through his great zeal for the cause
of the United States, he exerted his influence with his
government, no longer fearful of giving offence to the
English, to afford money and troops, and other impor
tant succors. He was soon put at the head of a select
corps of light infantry for the service of the campaign.
This afforded him a new opportunity for the display of
his munificence. Ho presented every officer under his
command an elegant sword, and his soldiers were clothed
in uniform principally at his expense. He infused into this
Corps a spirit of pride, and emulation, viewing it as one
formed and modelled according to his own wishes, and
as deserving bis highest confidence. They were the
pride of his heart, and the idol of their regard ;
constantly panting for an opportunity of accomplishing
some achievement worthy of his and their character.
This corps was pronounced equal to any that could be
produced in any country. In December, 1780, he
marched with one thousand two hundred light infantry
for "Virginia, to counteract the devastations of Arnold and
Phillips. He made a forced march of two hundred
miles, and prevented Gen. Phillips possessing himself of
Richmond, and secured the stores of that place. At one
period there was not a single pair of shoes in his whole
command, and such was his zeal and generous spirit,
and such the confidence and respect of the people, that
he was enabled to borrow of the merchants of Baltimore
two thousand guineas on his own credit, with which he
purchased shoes and other necessary articles for his
troops. The Marquis was employed in watching the
motions of Lord Cornwallis in Virginia, with an inferior

10 lafayette's life.
force ; in this arduous duty he displayed the judgment
skill and prudence of a veteran, with the ardor of youth.
In a skirmish near Jamestown, not a man in the whole
detachment was more exposed, and one of his horses
was killed.
Lord Cornwallis having encamped near Jamestown,
the Marquis Lafayette sent General Wayne, with the
Pennsylvania troops, to take their station within a small
distance of the British army and watch their motions.
The two advanced parties were soon engaged, and Gen
eral Wayne drove that of the enemy back to their lines,
and, without stopping there, attacked the whole British
army, drawn up in order of battle and charged them
with bayonets. The action was extremely severe for the
little time it. lasted, but the disproportion of number was
so great that the enemy was on the point of surrounding
our troops, when the Marquis arrived in person, just
time enough to order a retreat, by which they were res
cued from their hazardous situation after suffering con
siderable loss.
General Henry Lee, in his memoirs of the'war in the
southern states, eulogizes the character and conduct of
Lafayette, when compelled to fly before the British
commander, in the following language;
" In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of peril, La
fayette was collected and undismayed. With zeal, with
courage, and with sagacity, he discharged his arduous
duties ; and throughout the difficult retreat was never
brought even to array, but once, in order for battle-
Invigorating our councils by his precepts ; dispelling our
despondency by his example ; and encouraging his
troops to submit to their many privations, by the cheer
fulness with which he participated in their wants ; he
imparted the energy of his own mind to the country, and
infused his high toned spirit into the army."
Great encomiums were passed on the Marquis for his
humanity and goodness in visiting and administering to
the relief of the wounded soldiers. Lord Cornwallis

lafayette?s life. II
having received a reinforcement, was so confident of suc-
pess against his young antagonist, that he imprudently
said in a letter that was intercepted," ihe boy cannot es
cape mtP He planned the surprise of the Marquis,
while on the same side of James river with himself j
but in this be was baffled by means of a spy, whom the
marquis sent into tlie enemy's camp to obtain some
necessary intelligence. A combination of talents and
skill defeated all tlie energies of physical power. Dur
ing the siege of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, the Mar
quis was among the most active, and intrepid of the
general oflicers, and he commanded a detachment of our
light infantry, which successfully assaulted the British
redoubt on the right of our lines. Previous; to his depar
ture from Yorktown, he issued his last orders to> his fa
vorite corps of infantry, in which are contained the fol
lowing expressions.
" In the moment the major general leaves this place,
he wishes once more to express his gratitude to the
brave corps of light infantry, who for rime months past,
have been the companions of his fortunes. He will!
never forget, that with them alone, of regular troops,
he had the good fortune to manceuvre before an army
which, after all its reductions, is still six times, superior
to the regular force he had at that time."1
The Marquis now perceiving that the mighty contest
for American independence, in which he had heesi so
nobly engaged, was near its completion, was about to re
turn, with the well earned laurels on his brow tohis king
and country. Congress resolved November 23d, _7SJ!B
"• that Major General the Marquis de la Fayette be in
formed that on a review of his conduct thraugrhout the
past campaign, and particularly during the period! ins
which he had the chief command in Virginia^ the maxij
new proofs which present themselves', of has zealous at
tachment to. the cause he has espoused, and of his jodigi-
ment, vigilance, gallantry, and address ins its defence,,
have greatly added to- the high opinion. _atert_ie.e(_ by

112 • Lafayette's life. *
Congress of his merit and military talents." During his
military career in America, tho Marquis displayed that
patriotism, integrity, humanity, and every other virtue
which characterizes real greatness pf soul. His man^
ners being easy, affable, and engaging, he was particu
larly endeared to the officers and soldiers under his
command ; they admired, loved, and revered him as
their guide and support when in peril, and their warm
est friend when in perplexity and trouble. The most
. affectionate attachment existed between him and the
illustrious chief under whose banners it was his delight
to serve, and whose language was, " this nobleman
unites to all the military fire of youth, an uncommon ma
turity of judgment."
His very ' soul burned with the spirit of enterprize,
and he manifested a disinterestedness and devotion to the
cause of freedom, ever to be admired and applauded by a
grateful people. He ever discovered bo*th in design
and execution those traits of genius, and that intuitive
knowledge of tactics,, which designate thpt great man
and the successful warrior. The people of the United
States are fully apprized of their high obligation to hup,
and their history will transmit the name of Lafayette
with grateful acknowledgments to the latest, posterity.
It is gratifying to learn that Congress granted him a val
uable tract of land, as a compensation in part for his dis
interested patriotism and important services.
When in December 1784, the Marquis was aboui to
take his final departure from America,Corigress appointed
a committee of one member from each state to receive
him, and in the name of Congress to take leave of him
in such manner as might strongly manifest their esteem'
and regard for him. That they be instructed to assure
him, that Congress continue to entertain the same high
sense of his abilities and zeal to promote the welfare of
America, both here and in Europe which, they have fre
quently expressed and manifested on former occasions.
That the United States regard him with particular affecT
tion, and will not cease to> feel an interest in whatever

life. 13
ujay concern his honor and prosperity, and that their
best and kindest wishes will always attend him. Con
gress resolved also that a letter be written to His Most
Christian Majesty expressive of the high sense which the
United States, in Congress assembled, entertain of the
zeal, talents, and meritorious services of the Marquis de
la Fayette, and recommending him to the favour and pat
ronage of his majesty. The Marquis made a very re
spectful /and affectionate reply, in which he expressed
the lively feelings of a heart devoted to the welfare of
our rising empire, and gratefully acknowledged that at
a time when an inexperienced youth, he was favoured
with his respected friend's paternal adoption. He thus
concludes his address. " May this immense temple of
freedom ever stand as a lesson to oppressors, an example
to the oppressed, a sanctuary for the rights of mankind ;
and may these happy United States attain that complete
splendor aud prosperity, which will illustrate the bles
sings of their government, and for ages to como rejoice
the departed souls of its founders. Never can Congress
oblige me so much, as when they put it in my power in
every part of the world to the latest day of my life, to
gratify the attachment which will ever rank me among
the rnost zealous and respectful servants of the United
States."'

MEMOIR OF LAFAYETTE.
SELECTED AND ABRIDGED FROM LADY MORGAN- MEMOIR.
i( The name of Lafayette has long been consecrated
Nto fame ; and his existence has been so intimately woven
into the history of his country, that her records and her
chronicles must have mouldered into nothing, ere his re
nown shall be forgotten, or the memory of his deeds have
faded into oblivion. The recent and extraordinary events,
which again, for the moment, forced this modern Cincin-
natus from his plough, to assist in councils, which had for
their object the fate of an empire, have brought him be
fore the eyes of the world, in all the original splendour

14 Lafayette's life.
of his long tried virtue ; and have naturally refreshed'
recollections, which time might have tarnished, or policy
discoloured or repressed.
" The Marquis de Lafayette appeared at the French
court, to which his rank had called him, while yet a boy.
Too young to be insensible to its pleasures, but too noble
to be tainted by its corrections, he obstinately refused a
place, voluntarily offered to him, as the stepping stone to
such honors as courtiers eagerly solicit. He had alrea
dy, at the age of sixteen, felt and acknowledged another
vocation. The star of political liberty was at that penV
od observed rising brightly in the west, and Lafayette
was among the first who went forth from a distant land,
to worship it. The young and illustrious pilgrim was re
ceived with joyous admiration by those, whose cause he
came to defend. The genuine French cavalier entered
the American Army, as a simple volunteer and fought his
way to military distinction, till his own feats obtained for
him that rank which his modesty and pride had before
rejected, as an unmerited gift. Pie was afterwards made
Major General ; and Washington opposed hfe valour to
the experience of Clinton, and to the skill of Cornwallis.
" Having succeeded in his favourite object, on his visit
te his native country he obtained permission to return to.
America with the grateful intelligence of the service he
had rendered while in France. He arrived in Boston,
and then proceeded to Congress with the information
that His Most Christian Majesty had consented to em
ploy a considerable land and naval armament at the
United States for the ensuing campaign. He was receive
ed by General Washington with joy and affection, and by
Congress with every mark of distinction and regard.—
Some months after this, he proceeded to the South,
where, though matters in this quarter were in a very un
promising aspect, by an appeal to the generous and hon
ourable principles of his soldiers, he prevailed upon them
to embark in the dangerous and difficult enterprize of
preventing the junction of the Marquis Cornwallis and

Lafayette's life. 1!>
General Phillips, and though unsuccessful, he very adroit
ly evaded all the schemes of the vigilant British General,
and secured his little army and all his stores, though the
Marquis had said exultingly, in a letter which was after
wards intercepted, " the hoy cannot escape me /"
" After having received a sword from the hands of
Franklin, presented by the American States, he return
ed to France, the leader of armies, the counsellor of
statesmen, and the friend of philosophers, at the prema
ture age of twenty-two !
"The court and the people alike came forward to re
ceive and welcome the young hero, who had reflected
such credit on his country ; who united the gay, the gal
lant, fearless spirit of ancient chivalry, ? with the mod
ern principles of philosophical liberty. His mission to
France, in which he was joined with Franklin, to obtain
men and money from the Government for the promotion
of the American cause, was eminently sussessful. The
court did not then foresee the result of its own mistaken
and selfish policy. Governed by every-day expediency,
it sought only to feed a flame which consumed the
strength of England ; and little dreamed, that from that
flame a spark would proceed, which would eventually
kindle the inflammable mass collected within its own
bosom. "It was after the peace with America, that General
Lafayette, visiting once more the land of his early and
successful enterprize, was received in the Congress of the
United States with a sort of Roman triumph ; while his
journey through the cities was one perpetuated scene of
joy and festivity. On his return to Europe, in 1785, he
travelled through Germany, and brought even to the
Court of the Caesars, as he had done to the pavilions of
Versailles, the spirit of a pure and antique attachment
to liberty, with the graces of a gallant soldier, and ac
complished gentleman : — and he was received by Joseph
the 3d, and Frederick the great, writh flattering distinc
tions. It was in accompanying the latter to his reviews.

46 Lafayette's life.-
that he had an opportunity afforded him of close observa
tion of the military genius of that royal tactician, with
which he doubtless enriched his own experience.
ft A restless activity, in the cause of all that is great or
food, united the efforts of General Lafayette to those of
falesherbes, for the amelioration of the condition of the
French protestants ; and at the same time ha devoted
his power and fortune to the gradual redemption of the
blacks. While the Court of Versailles protected the
Barbary corsairs, he opposed the measure at home, and
assisted Jefferson in his league against that piratical band,
so long the shame and scourge of Europe. — Called to
the Assembly of the Notables, in 1787, Lafayette was
the first to raise his voice for the suppression of letters de
cachet, and of State Prisons : — to obtain a favourable
decree for the French protestants, and to propose a Na
tional Assembly to France.
The part which General Lafayette took in the first
revolution, was too conspicuous to require at the present
day a minute detail. Actuated exclusively by the love
of his country, his motives and conduct have, however,
been alike calumniated by the emigrants and the jaco
bins ; to whose selfishness and personality his example
and his influence were equally opposed ; and while the
family of Louis XVI. rejected his proffered assistance, in
distrust of his exertions in the cause of freedom, he was
already marked out for destruction of the clubs, for his
strenuous attachment to constitutional monarchy.
" When the citizens of Paris, to the number of 30,000,
enrolled themselves as the National Guard, General La
fayette was chosen their commander in chief ; and owing
to this circumstance, which strongly proves the influence
he possessed with the populace, is to be attributed the
safety of Louis the XVI. and family, on the 6th October
1789, at Versailles, The rabble had rushed into the
Court of the Palace, two of the life-guards had been
cruelly murdered ! — they had even penetrated the apart
ments of the Queen, from which she had scarcely time

lafayette's life. J7
to escape, when the presence of General Lafayette, and
his officers, put a stop to further personal outrage, though
it did not divert them from their main design of taking
the king, queen and family to Paris.
" When the march of the revolution was interrupted,
and its objects frustrated by the intrigues of faction, and
the fury of democracy, Lafayette exposed himself steadi
ly to the colossal and disorganizing power of the Jaco
bins. But his genius and his sentiments no longer be
longed to that day of blood. Denounced by the Jaco
bins, and brought to trial by their machinations, his con
duct placed him above the reach of their calumnies, add
he was acquitted. When however, the sanguinary law of
proscription was fulminated against him, he disdained to
degrade himself by an useless defence. Accompanied by
his friend Maubourg and by his aid-de-camp, Alexander
Lameth, he quitted the polluted territory of his country.
" The object of the patriot fugitives was, to gain eitti-
. er the neutral states of Holland or England — and they
had already safely arrived beyond the frontiers of France,
when they were taken by a corps of Austrian troops, and
delivered over to the power of the coalition. Sent suc
cessively, as prisoners of war to the fortresses of Luxem
bourg, Wezel, Magdebourg and Olmutz, their patriotism
was punished by privations and hardships, which exceed
ed the rigours of inquisitorial severity. Lafayette was
soon separated from the companions of his flight ; and
worn out by suffering and persecution, he was dying in
the dungeons of Wezel, when a ray of hope was offered
to this despair by Frederick William ; who proposed, as
the purchase of his liberty, that he should furnish a 'plan
against France ; ungrateful France ! in whose cause he
then suffered. The energy of his reply evinced his high
disdain of the shameless proposal. "No, never," said
Mr. Fox speaking of this event, " never could such per
fidy approach that heart, which never, for one moment
ceased to nourish the sacred fire of patriotism, the pur
est and most religious." At length, the moment ef lib-
3

18 lafayette's life.
oration arrived ; a liberation, for which Lafayette was
more indebted to the good feeling of an individual, than
to compatriot generosity or national repentance. It was
upon his own responsibility, that Bonaparte* made the
surrender of Lafayette, an article in the treaty which he
dictated to Austria, at Leoben.f I have heard General
Lafayette revert to the obligation he thus incurred to
the late Emperor, with sentiments of the warmest grat
itude ; but in this instance, his feelings held no influence
over a conduct invariably governed by principles.
" Restored to his country, he remained steady to those
principles which had guided hinf^through life, — which
had led him to the deserts of America,- — which had in
spired him in the conflicts of revolutionary France— had
shielded him from the corruption of Courts, and consol
ed him in the dungeons of captivity. When he discover
ed that his opinions of the character and views of Bona
parte were ill-founded, that he who had generously unlock
ed his own chains, was already engaged in weaving shack
les for his country, he broke off all intercourse with his
deliverer, refused the share offered to him in public af
fairs, declined the senatorial dignity anxiously pressed
on his acceptance, and by his bold restrictive vote against
the Consulship for life, snapped forever the tie, which,
under the paramount influence of gratitude, had for a
moment bound him to a man, whose views differed so
widely from his own. Firm of purpose, steady, inflexi
ble, pursuing with the same undeviatmg step the lumin
ous path of patriotism, from which ambition had never
seduced, nor interest misled him, he retreated from pub-
•Bonaparte was profesedty a friend to Lafayette — bat perhaps from interested
motives. tThe American Government were laudably active to procure Lafayette's re-
lease. When Washington had in vain reclaimed him of the Austrian Govern
ment, clandestine attempts were made, by American agents, to procure his
escape, which were so far successful that they succeeded in releasing him
from Olmutz. Eut the General being wounded in the adventnre, he was re
taken within eight leagues of his prison. It is reported, that when Madame
Lafayette solicited the Emperor in her husband's favor, he made her this sin
gular answer : " J'ailei mains liees." If this be true, there was at the lime
but one Cabinet capable of exerting such an influence, and a Briton would be
tke last to believe the damning tale.

Lafayette's life. 19
lie life, sheathed a sword, no longer to be brandished in
the cause of freedom, and forgot, in the simple occupa
tions of his farm, that he had once shared and influen
ced the destinies of an empire. Refusing inflexibly to
bow before the sun of imperial power, he accepted his
retraite de general, and gave himself up exclusively to the
endearments of domestic life, the pursuits of literature
and science, and the interest and improvements of agri
culture. "General Lafayette had early in life, sacrificed a large
part of his fortune to the popular cause ; — and it was in
the name of that cause, he was deprived of nearly all that
his prodigality had permitted him to reserve. He had
refused emoluments and restitutions in the two hemis^
pheres, but the territories of the Duchess de Noailles,
who was guillotined by Robespierre, were restored to
her son-in-law, which placed him, on his return to France,
at the head of a property at least competent to his desires.
" General Lafayette had married a daughter of the il
lustrious house of Noailles ; and the history of female
virtue and female heroism presented nothing more rare
in excellence, than the life and character of Madame La
fayette. — Such chaiacters, (says Charles Fox, speaking of
this admirable pair,) should flourish in the annals of the
world, and live to posterity, when kings and the crowns they
wear must have mouldered into dust. While Lafayette,
rescued by flight from the scaffold in France, lay incar
cerated in the dungeons of Olmutz, his devoted wife, ac
companied by her two daughters, with a constitution al
ready broken down by suffering and grief, hastened to
Vienna, and solicited permission to entomb herself, and
her children in the dungeon of her husband. This was
all that was asked, and all that was obtained.
" On the return of Napoleon from Elba, he deputed hia
brother 'Joseph to solicit Lafayette's acceptance of the
peerage. " Should I ever again appear on the scene of
public life, replied Lafayette to the ex-king of Spain,
" it can only be as a representative of the people."

20 lafayette's life,
He was accordingly elected, by his own department, a
member of the corps legislalif and as he himself express
ed it, in the chamber of deputies, " a veteran in the cause
of liberty, a stranger to the spirit of faction ;'¦ he exhibit
ed in 1810 to his country, a bright untarnished model of
the true, pure, incorruptible constitutionalists of 1 789 ; —
whose views for the liberty and happiness of their coun
try had been successively and effectually frustrated, by
the sordid selfishness of antiquated privilege, by the fac.T
tious intrigues of sanguinary democracy, and by the as
piring views of bold, boundless, and despotic ambition.
" At the expiration of thirty years, Lafayette appear
ed before his country, with the same immutability of
priuciplefthe same energy of spirit and force of elo
quence, as was possessed by him, to whom America rais
ed statues, ere manhood had shed its down upon his
cheek ! — to whom the military spirit of France devoted
a sword of victory, formed out of the dungeon bars of
the Bastille, which he had broken !
" We naturally expect to find strong traces of time in
the form of those, with whose name and deeds we have
been long acquainted ; of those who had obtained the
suffrages of the world, almost before we had entered it.
But, on the person of Lafayette, time has left no impres
sion; not a wrinkle furrows the ample brow; and his
unbent and noble figure, is still as upright, bold and vig
orous, as the mind that informs it. Grace, strength, and
dignity still distinguishes the fine person of this extraorr
dinary man ; who, though more than forty years before
the world, engaged in scenes of strange and eventful con
flict, does not yet appear to have reached his climacte
ric. Bustling aud active in his form, grace and elegant
in his saton, it is difficult to trace, in one of the most suc
cessful agriculturists, and one of the most perfect fine
gentleman that France has produced, a warrior and a
legislator. — The patriot, however, is always discernible.
In the full possession of every faculty and talent he
ever possessed, the memory of M. Lafayette has all the

Lafayette's life. 21
tenacity of unworn vouthful recollection ; and besides
xhe-t\ high views of all that is most elevated in the
mind's conception. His conversation is brilliantlv en
riched with anecdotes of all that is celebrated, in char
acter and event, for the last fiftv years. J He still talks
with unwearied delight of his short visit to England, to
his friend Air. Fox, and dwelt on the witchery of the
late Duchess of Devonshire, with almost boyish enthusi
asm. He speaks and writes English with the same
elegance he does his native tongue. He has made him
self master of all that i* best worth knowing in English
literature and philosophy. I observed that his library
contained many of our most eminent authors on all sub
jects. His elegant and well chosen collection of books.
occupies the highest apartment in one of the towers of
the chateau : and, like the study of Montague, hangs
over the farm vard of the philosophical agriculturalist. —
- It frequently happens,'' said M. Lafayette, as we
were moving beneath, "it frequeutly happens that my
Merinos, and mv Hay-carts, dispute my attention with
your Hume, or our own Voltaire.§
Numerous litUe anecdotes of General Lafayette have appeared in late pa
pers, but we do not recollect seeing the following. It iilust-ates so well his
consequence in his own country in former days, it may be worth publishing at
tho present time.
On the I9th of May, 1790, " an unfortunate man was detected in the act of
steal:n; a sack of ea s. Some of (he soldiers of the national guard took hi>n
immcdiatt'ly unlet their protection, and were conveying him as a prisoner to
the Chateler ; but the populace, •¦ ho were in the habit of indicting sumroary
justice, tore him from the soldiers, and were in the act of beating him to death
with their clubs, when the Marquis de Lafayette happened to pass by the hor
rid scene. He plunged instantly into the thickest of the mob, and in despite
of tleir out ens and menaces, seize* the person who had begun the tumult,
and conducted him with his own h >.mls to the Ch&telet* He next delivered
the uufortunate criminal from the mob ; and, exhorting them to disperse,
and oorotuct themselves like orderly citizens, had the happiness to see the
tumult entirely suppressed, and tiie people return io their houses, full of the
praises of the man whohad so intrepidly rescued them fromtheirown phren-
sy, and prevented them from contaminating themselves with human blood."
* Tke court af Justice.
iLafayeUe received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at Harvard Uni
versity, in 17&J, when he made his last tour in the United States ; he received
the same honor from Princeton College, He is also a member of the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences, and likewise of th" American Philosophical
Society.

22 Lafayette's life,
" He was not a desperate adventurer, whose embar
rassed affairs at home deprived him of the means of en
joying life, and therefore was willing to risk alt under a
selfish hope of bettering' his own private condition. He
was born to a princely fortune. He was surrounded by
relatives and friends, and had been blessed even thus
early in life with conjugal love. He bid adieu to his na
tive land, to relatives and friends, and to the tender and
interesting partner of his bosom ; to all the pleasures
and amusements which Avere presented to him in the
? gay regions and vine-covered hills of France," to join
in the glorious contest for liberty in the colonies of Amer
ica. He offered us his money and his blood to aid us. —
He expended at one time $ 10,000 for clothing our naked
and suffering troops.*
" He served without compensation." — •
The foregoing memoirs of Lafayette contain only
some of the principal events of his life. To many rea
ders the following incidents in his career of glory may be
perused with satisfaction.
They are transcribed, and abridged from the Biogra-
phie des Homrnes Vivants. — The work is not one re
markable for its partiality to men of liberal principles,
yet the article is, we think, the most satisfactory of any
biographical notice of him we have seen. The parts of
the article which we have not translated, are in general
the reflections of the author, which are not very materi
al,, and are omitted merely to shorten the article.
" Marie-Paul-Joseph-Roch-Yves-Gilbert-Mottkgrs de
Lafayette, was born in Auvergne, September 6th, 1757,
of one of the most ancient families of that province. —
He married in 1774 Mademoiselle de Noailles, daughter
of the Duke d'Ayen, Captain of the body guard. At
that time he was in possession of a considerable fortune.
*At a fire, which happened in Boston on the 24th of April 1784, which
consumed one hundred buildings — among which was the meeting house in
Hollii Street, the General gave for the relief of the sufferers 1554 dollars .

Lafayette's life. 23
Before the intention which had been formed by Louis
XVI. to assist the Americans," was known, Lafayette
privately equipped a vessel, which was filled with arms,
and escaping the vigilance which watched him, sailed to
America. There he served, first merely as a volunteer
in the revolutionary army, without any design except
that of gaining distinction as a soldier. Rochambeau,
who was despatched to that country at the head of a
body of French auxiliaries, having observed his courage
and activity, gave him the command of a corps of volun
teers, who joining themselves to the inhabitants, contri
buted much to the success of the American revolution.
During this struggle the young Lafayette signalized
himself in so brilliant a manner that he became the
friend of the illustrious Washington. Independence be
ing established, he returned to France with the office of
Field'-Marshal, loaded with testimonials of gratitude from
the Americans, and filled with sentiments of liberty which
the success of that people, and their republican deliber
ations had given rise to in his mind. He was received
at Paris with a sort of enthusiasm. Nothing was talked
q{ but Lafayette, his glory was every where sounded,
and his portrait was every where to be seen. At the
convocation of the States General he was chosen deputy
to that assembly, without opposition, by the nobility of
Auvergne, and he came there supported by the public
opinion. At that time a constitution was called for on
all sides. M. de Lafayette, who afterwards placed him
self in the first rank in constitutional enterprises, did not
speak on this occasion. He continued to sit with the
majority of the nobility in their own chamber, until the
27th of June, when the King, alarmed by the bold
ness of the revolutionists, commanded that order to unite
to the two others. Lafayette protested with the major
ity of his order, July 3d, 1789, against every thing which
was done contrary to the principles of the monarchy, and
the individual rights of the orders — aud he even de-
manded that an act should be passed by the chamber ag

24 Lafayette's life;
well as his colleagues of the Auvergne nobility, declaring*
that they had done all in their power to support the
system of toting by orders, lt is certain that it was not
until all these efforts had proved fruitless, that he de
termined to join the JVational Assembly. As its man
dates were imperative* he would not take part in its de
liberations until he had obtained from his constituents
new powers in which this clause was not stipulated. —
He demanded leave of absence in order to solicit this,
and it was not until his return that he began his revolu
tionary careen
On the 11th of July 1789, he proposed a declaration
6f rights, which was much applauded. It was in moving
this declaration that he made the remark, that when ty
ranny is at its height, insurrection becomes the most holy
of duties; The sitting of July 11, drew the public at
tention still more upon Lafayette, and from this day
may be dated the immense power which he acquired. —
At this period the Court was making military prepara
tions which seemed to announce the intention of dissolv
ing the Assembly by force. The evening of July 12, a
violent insurrection broke out in the capital, which had
for pretence the dismissal of M. Necker. The 13th,
Lally Tolendale and Mourrier passed a decree that the
public debt was put under the guardianship of the honor
and loyalty of the French. Lafayette obtained an ad
dition to this decision, that the ministers who are to be
appointed by the king were, as well as all civil and mil
itary agents, responsible for any undertaking contrary to
the rights of the nation, and the decrees of the na
tional assembly. After this deliberation, which was
had very late, the assembly continued to sit all
night, M. Lafayette presiding over it, in the
place of M. Le Franc-de-Pampignan, Archbishop of Vi-
enne, who on account of his extreme age could not fill an
office so fatiguing. July 15th, he was chosen by the
Comi) une of Paris, Commander of the Parisian Militia,
which was almost immediately after called the National

life. 25
guctrd. The young general accepted this nomination*
and drawing his sword, made a vow to sacrifice his life
to the preservation of that precious liberty the defence
of which they had entrusted to him. Every thing was
then in trouble and confusion ; not only those who had
nothing to lose, but those who had much, helped to keep
up the state of disorder.
Notwithstanding his extreme popularity, he was not
able to save Foulon, whom he had taken under his pro
tection; October 5, a new insurrection having broken
out, the French Guards appeared again in the front of
it, and summoned their general to lead them to Versailles,
not to ask for bread, like the women by whom they
were surrounded, but to revenge themselves, as they
said, for the insults which had been offered to the cock
ade and to the national colors. M. Lafayette endeavor
ed in vain to turn them from their project. He repaired
to the square, mounted his horse, placed himself at their
head and harangued them, but without success; Cries of
to Versailles, to Versailles, interrupted him, he could not
make himself heard. At last he told them that being
only head of the armed force, he could not act without
orders from the representatives of the commune. The
latter immediately sent an order for him to go to Ver
sailles. The populace no sooner learned this decision
than they set forward, and began the disorders at Ver
sailles before the national guard could be re-assembled.
This body arrived about eleven in the evening, command
ed by Lafayette, who ordered all the posts to be occupi
ed. Thinking there was nothing to fear, he went to
take some repose, having assured the king and queen
that tranquillity was restored. But at six in the morn
ing, the castle was attacked by the mob, who had intro
duced themselves through the gardens. Three body
guards were murdered, and the queen, forced to fly half
dressed, was near being assassinated in her bed. Lafay
ette, awoke by the general noise, and the cries of the
multitude, arrived at last, placed himself at the head of
the grenadiers, and expelled from the castle the ruffians
4

26 who had introduced themselves into it. Fifteen of the
body guard, whom they were about to murder, were
saved. But this was the day, when Louis XVI. yielding
to the cries of the populace, went to Paris with his fami
ly: — and from that time his power ceased.
A few days after, Lafayette, in a very animated con
ference which he had with the Duke of Orleans, gave
him to understand that his name formed the pretext for
all the disorder, and that it was necessary he should
leave the kingdom for some time. A pretended mission
was given to this prince, and he went to England. From
this period, to the departure of the king, no great crimes
were committed in Paris, although the agitation was ex
treme. One individual had been seized by the mob, and
they had already suspended him to a lamp post, when
the commandant general hastened to the spot, and him
self cut the cord, and saved the unhappy man. But M.
Lafayette's greatest triumph is the period of the federa
tion, July 14, 1790. lt was on that day that he received
the general command of the national guard of France.
All these national guards and the troops of the line, met
by deputation in the Champ de Mars, and swore in pres
ence of the king and the assembly to maintain a constitu
tion, which did not yet exist. The eyes of all France
were turned on the commandant general of the national
guard. Surrounded with the homage of the whole armv,
he was really the master of the kingdom, and his power
was immense. The minds of the people were then in
the greatest agitation ; every where insurrections were
ready to break out, which caused the apprehension that
a general overturn would take place. M. Lafayette suc
ceeded for a long time in restraining them. The active
service in which he was engaged prevented his sharing in
many of the deliberations, but he voted for all the im
portant innovations, such as trial by jury, the civil and
political rights of people of color, although not for the
immediate abolition of slavery, as some biographers
have asserted. He wished, with Mirabeau, whose life

Lafayette's life. 27
he saved during the discussion of right to make peace ahd
war, that the introduction of this law should be left to the
king. In the holy week of 1791, the king wished to go to
St. Cloud. As soon as this reached the ears of the jaco
bin party, they reported that the monarch was about to
leave the kingdom. This was believed by the national
guard, and instead of favouring this little expedition, they
prevented it, notwithstanding the orders of their general
to the contrary, whom, until that time, they had obeyed
with the greatest enthusiasm. Lafayette, vexed with
this disobedience, resigned the command, but the nation
al guard displayed so much regret, that he resumed it
again. On the departure of the king in June of the
same year, he was accused by the jacobins of having fa
voured it. The truth is, that whatever suspicions he
might have of the monarch's projects, he knew nothing
positive with respect to them. When he heard the
news of it, before leaving his bed in the morning, he
would not believe it. He repaired to the mayor, and
when he was seen in the streets, they shouted Vite La
fayette, and a bas Lafayette. Mobs were formed, ahd
they began to clamour fbr his head. The deputy tteii-
bell endeavoured to infuse into the assembly, which was
hardly formed, suspicions of his fidelity— but Barnave re
pulsed those insinuations with much energy, and it was to
this deputy that M. Lafayette owed his safety.
The king having been arrested at Varehnes, by the
measures which he had taken, he recovered fbr some
time his popularity ; but he became more than ever the
object of hatred to the loyalists. As to the jacobins, M.
Lafayette had already provoked all their fury by his con
duct toward the Dtikc of Orleans, and from his causing
the companies of the insurgent regiment at Nanci, who
were coming to Paris to raise the populace, to be arrest
ed. From this moment the jacobins kept no more
measures with him. Then Corypheus Marat, author of
the Friend of the People, constantly denounced him as the
traitor Lafayette. The affair of the Champ de Mars

28 Lafayette's life.
brought this rage to its height. The republican party,
which then began to manifest itself, already wished to
bring the king to trial. This party united with the jaco
bins, and this union formed tne insurrection. Lafayette
dispersed it, Firing commenced without, or rather con
trary to his orders. Fournier fired a pistol almost at his
breast. He was arrested- — but Lafayette caused him to
be set at liberty. Notwithstanding this, he was accused
of having assassinated the patriots. After this event, the
national guard, especially the old French guard, grew
furious, they imprecated the jacobins, wished to destroy
by a cannonade the club, which they called a cavern, and
disperse the people who frequented it. Lafayette op
posed them. When the constitution was accepted in
1791, he voted for the amnesty demanded by the king,
and resigned the command of the national guard, since,
as he derived his powers from the revolution, these
powers ought to cease with it. The municipality, then
constitutional, caused to be struck off a medal of gold in
honor of Lafayette, and gave him a bust of Washington.
He had sacrificed a great part of his fortune for the rev
olution, never being willing to accept the remuneration
which the city offered him from time to time.
When the war was on the point of being declared by
the national assembly, against Austria and Prussia, the
kiqg gave him the command of the army of the centre,
destined to cover the frontier of Ardennes. This army
took the field the beginning of May 1792, but remained
inactive. At the time of the outrages of June 20, he
addressed to his army an order of the day, which excited
in it a universal indignation against the Jacobins. Ad
dresses, in which the punishment of this crime was call
ed fbr, were signed by all the corps, and the General
was desired to communicate them to the king and the
National Assembly, The republicans, who till then had
kept terms with Lafayette, hoping to draw him over tp
their party, came out against him with the greatest vio
lence. The general himself went to Paris, appeared, a,(;

Lafayette's life. 29
f.he bar of the assembly, and called for vengeance on the
insult to the king and the constitution. He could obtain
nothing, the business was referred to the committees, and
instead of succeeding in his demand, the republicans, in
concert with the Jacobins, had the boldness to demand
that he himself should be indicted. He was well receiv
ed, however by the national guard. A deputation of
Grenadiers from the different battalions, came to present
him the homage of his former companions in arms, plant
ed before the door of his hotel an enormous tree of lib
erty, hung with tri-colored ribbons, and begged him to
place himself at their head, and destroy before his de
parture the infernal club, where all the disorder was fo
mented. He refused, saying, the majority of the assemb
ly being contitutional, there was no cause for alarm.
Events soon taught him, how small was the power of this
nominal majority to resist their audacious adversaries.
Before his departure he invited the king-to place him
self in the midst of his army, to escape the swords of the
factious party, and he offered to insure his safety. But
the indecision of the king, and the prejudices of the queen,
prevented the king from availing himself of the last
means of safety. The republicans introduced into the
assembly, their project of indicting the General. It
was rejected by two thirds of the voices, but this deliber
ation was itself the signal for the revolution of August
10th. Lafayette was just on the point of fighting the
Prussians, when he heard of this revolution. He wished
at first to face the storm, ordered the commissioners who
were sent to depose him to be arrested, and addressed
his troops in a proclamation, in which after having plac
ed the affair in the most odious colour, he told them to
choose between Petion ,and the king and constitution. Np
one hesitated, all the army cried Vive la Roi, Vive la Con
stitution. But the next day he left the army, depend
ing but little, and with some reason, on this first ebulli
tion of enthusiasm. He was accompanied by some of
Jns officers.

30 Lafayette's life.
It was then that M. Lafayette terminated his revolu
tionary career, a striking example of the rewards which
the people reserve for their favorites. When his depar
ture was known, the Capuchin Chabot immediately put
a price upon his head — he was declared an emigrant,
and the commune of Paris, among other outrages, had the
die of the medal which had been struck in honour of him '
the year before, broken by the executioner. He had
hardly passed the frontier, when he was arrested at Lux
embourg, where some emigrants, who regarded him as
the principal author of the revolution, loaded him with
insults. The Duke of Saxe Teschen, even told him that
he was reserved for the scaffold. He was afterwards
delivered to the King of Prussia* who had him conducted
to Wesel, and thence to Magdeburg, where he remained
a year in prison.
The King of Prussia, upon making peace with France,
in 1795, gave up his prisoner to the Austrians, who trans
ferred him to Olmutz, where he was still more severely
treated, and suffered severely from sickness. His physi
cians requested that his situation might be ameliorated ;
and it Was at this time, that Doctor Bollman, and a young
man of the name of Huger, (now living in South Caro
lina) whose father had entertained Lafayette at his house
in America, executed the daring project of carrying him
off at the time he went out to take the air ; but he Avas
retaken eight leagues from Olmutz, and kept in still clos
er confinement. His illness became more serious ; he
was left Avithout any assistance, even without light or
linen. — At the end of the year 1796, his Virtuous wife
and daughter obtained the permission to' share his con
finement, thereby making the best eulogy of his virtues
as a husband and father. At last the events of the war
brought about his deliverance. General Bonaparte,
pursuing his success against Austria, in his campaign of
1797, forfced that poAver to set him at liberty. M. La
fayette did not return to France immediately. He
stopped at Hamburg, and did not enter his country till
after the 18 th Brumiare. Bonaparte offered him at that

Lafayette's life. 31
time, a place in his senate, but he excused himself, and
retired to one of his estates which had not been sold,
and where he has liAred for a long time a stranger to
politics. Bonaparte, irritated by his refusal, swore
to Lafayette a hatred, which descended even to
his son. Whatever zeal was shewn by this young mail
in his service, he Avould never promote him in his rank,
nor ever bestoAV on him the cross of the Legion of Hon
or ; whenever he found the name of Lafayette in a re
port, he angrily struck it out.
After the 20th of March, 1815, the Marquis Lafay
ette was chosen deputy in the chamber of representa
tives, by. the electors of the department of Seine and
Marne, and he obtained fifty votes for the presidency.
He did not speak in this assembly until the moment
when Bonaparte, conquered at Waterloo, was consider
ed as irrecoverably lost. Lafayette voted then, neitb»
er for Napoleon nor for his son, but for what he called
national independence. This is the speech which he pro
nounced June 21, 1815; "When, for the first time, after
a silence of many years, I raise a voice that the old
friends of liberty may still remember, I feel myself urged
to speak to you of the dangers of the country which you
alone have the power of saving. Dark reports were
spread, they are unfortunately confirmed. This is the
moment for us to rally about the old tri-colored standard,
that of '89, that of liberty, of equality, and of public
order ; it is that alone Avhich we have to defend our
selves against foreign pretensions and domestic treachery.
Permit, gentlemen, a veteran in this sacred cause, who
has ahvays been a stranger to the spirit of faction, to
lay before you some preliminary resolutions, of Avhich I
hope you will appreciate the necessity. Art. I. The
chamber of representatives declares that the indepen
dence of the nation is threatened. 2d. The chamber
declares itself permanent — any attempt to dissolve it, is
an act of high treason ; whoever is guilty of such an at
tempt shall be declared a traitor to his country, and shall
be tried immediately as such. 3d. The armv of the

32 lAfayette's life.
line and the national guard, who have fought, and art*
still fighting to defend the liberty, the independence and
the territory of France, have deserved well of their
country. 4. The minister of the interior is invited to
assemble the general staff, the commanders aru! majors
of legions of the Parisian national guard, in order to ad
vise respecting the means of giving arms and bringing to
the greatest perfection this citizen guard, whose zeal and
patriotism, tried for twenty six years, offers a sure guar
antee to liberty, property, the tranquillity of the capital,
and the inviolability of the representatives of the nation.
5. The ministers of war, of foreign relations, of the po*
lice and of the interior are invited immediately to meet
this assembly."
This project was adopted Avith slight modifications. —
M. Lafayette was afterwards appointed one of the com
missioners, chosen by the commission of government, to
enter into a negociation with the chiefs of the allied pow
ers who were approaching Paris. It is known that this
mission had no success. After the chamber was dissoh'-
ed, M. Lafayette returned to his home — he re-appeared
on the political scenes, at the elections in 1817, and he
obtained a number of votes for the Paris deputation.
IMPRISONMENT OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE*
Jbummnrfi .fUirratfto
OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ATTENDED TIHi DETENTION OF La-
tour, Mauboukg. Bureau De Puzy, Lafayette, and his family.
C Communicated by one bf Ihe Prisoners. J
Lafayette, Maubourg, and Bureau De Puzy, having in
Vain endeavoured to support the constitution of. 1791,
which they had sworn to maintain, and finding them
selves compelled to emigrate, with some officers, m order
to avoid the execution of decrees passed against them,
meant to proceed to Holland ; but, some leagues from
the frontier, they were, notwithstanding their protesta
tions, arrested by an Austrian post, and conducted to
Luxemburg. Having sent to ask passports from the
* Segur's Reign of William II. King of Prussia,

Lafayette's, life. 33
Duke de Saxe-Teschen, they Avcre refused ; and those
who signified this refusal, barbarously informed them
that they were reserved for the scaffold !
As soon as the orders had been received from the
court of Vienna, Avhich determined the fate of the pris
oners, and delivered them over to the King of Prussia,
they Ave re all three carried and confined at Wesel, where
they Avere guarded by non-commissioned officers, whose
orders were to observe them constantly and not to an
swer their questions.
Lafayette had fallen dangerously sick. His fellow-
sufferers were refused permission at Maubourg to see
their friend, ready to expire. A salutary crisis having
rescued him from the jaAvs of death, the King of Prussia
thought he might profit by his dejected state, and had a
proposal made to him that his situation should be allevi
ated, if he would furnish him with plans against France ;
— but he proved, by an energetic reply, his contempt of
such a proposition. The rigour toAvards him Avas then
redoubled, and soon after, they Avere thrown into a cart
and carried to Magdeburg, and were constantly refused
any information of tlie existence of their families respect
ing whom the proscriptions in France gave them the
most anxious inquietude.
In travelling thus, their keeoers thought to aggravate
their distress and excite the public indignation against
them. These wishes however were not fulfilled ; they
every where received marks of the interest excited by
the injustice of their detention, and the constancy of their
courage. They remained a year at Magdeburg, in a damp dark
vault, surrouuded by high palisadoes, shut by four suc
cessive gates, and fastened, with bars of iron and pad
locks. However, their situation seemed milder, that
they Avere sometimes allowed to see each other, and
Avcre walked out an hour each day on a bastion.
The King of Prussia suddenly sent an order to remove
Lafayette to Silesia ; and Maubourg solicited and obtain-

3>4 Lafayette's life*
ed leave to be confined there with him. They Avere"
conducted to Glatz, whither Bureau de Puzy was soofi
after sent. >
Alexander Lambeth, being dangerously ill, could not
be transported With his companions. His mother, who
enjoyed a respect merited by, her virtues, obtained of
Frederick William, after ardent solicitation that he
should remain in prison in his dominions, and some time
after, peace being concluded between that monarch and
the French, she succeeded in procuring his liberty. —
The king of Prussia granted it, because he did not think
himself longer obliged to observe the same respect to
wards the court of Vienna, which was irritated against
him for having quitted the coalition. The prisoners
were transferred to Neifs ; and although the dungeon
which they there inhabited Avas still more dismal and un
wholesome than any of the others, this change appeared
happy to them, as all the three prisoners together were
alloAved to enjoy the presence of madame de Maisoneuve,
who carne courageously to share the chains of her broth
er Maubourg.
The King of Prussia, who did not wish on making
peace with France to be obliged from justice to release
his victims, determined to send them into Austria, and
they were Carried into Olmutz.
On their arrival at this place, they were robbed of
whatever the Prussians had left them, which reduced
them to their watches and buckles ; some of their books
even were seized, in which was found the word liberty ;
particularly Helvetius de VEsprit, and Paine's Common
Sense ; on which Lafayette asked if these were contra
band articles.
Each of them was told, on being shut up separately in
his cell, " That they should hereafter see only their four
walls, that they would have neither news, necessaries,
nor visitors ; that it was forbidden to mention their
names even among the jailors, or in the government des
patches in which they were distinguished by numbers ;
that they would never be informed of the fate of their

Lafayette's life. 35
families, nor of each other's existence ; and that as their
situation might naturally lead them to self destruction,
they were forbidden knife, fork, and every means what
ever of suicide."
After three certificates of physicians, of the indispen
sable necessity of air for Lafayette, and after three re
plies that he was not yet sufficiently ill, he was at length
permitted to walk out unconditionally ; for it is false that
Lafayette enjoyed this liberty, as has been alleged, on
his engagement of honour that he should not attempt to
make his escape.
The public are already made acquainted with the en
terprise of Dr. Boleman, and young Huger, the son of the
man at whose house Lafayette first landed in America.
Boleman, after several months unsuccessful attempts,
succeeded in procuring a note to be secretly delivered to
him, and executed a very bold plan. — He repaired to
Vienna, sent for young Huger thither, and posted him
self with him at the place where Lafayette was to be
conducted to take the air ; and these two attempted to
rescue him at the moment Avhen, having misled some of
his keepers, they endeavoured to disarm the one that
remained with him.
In this struggle, Lafayette gave himself a violent
strain in the loins, and the corporal-jailer, with whom he
contended, and whom he had disarmed, tore with his
teeth his hapd tp the bone !
His generous deliverers succeeded in getting him on
horseback, with such negligence of their own safety, that
they could scarcely find their horses to escape themselves.
This loss of time, and the alarms of the keepers, having
attracted people and troops, Huger was immediately se
cured. Lafayette, separated from Boleman, was seized
eight leagues from Olmutz, and with less difficulty as he
had no arms. Boleman reached the Prussian territories,
but the king of Prussia had the barbarity to deliver him
up to the Austrians.
From this time the captivity of Lafayette was more
rigorous, and his illness became more serious, He was

36 lafayette's life.
left without relief, with an unremitting fever, during a re
markably severe winter, deprived of light and not even
allowed the linen Avhich his situation rendered necessary.
To increase his suffering, he Avas constantly made to
believe that his companions had perished on the scaffold.
The care that had been taken to keep Lafayette from
the knoAvledge of every thing that might serve to inform
him of the fate of his family is remarkable in the follow
ing anecdote.
Latour Maubourg, having at length obtained permis
sion to despatch letters to his relations, learned that
Madame Lafayette was yet alive. He requested the
obmmahdant to allow his friend to be told that his wife
yet lived ; the commandant, after answering, " That his
orders in this respect were express," from that time sup*
pressed all the letters in Avhich Madame Lafayette was
mentioned, and did not deliver them to him till near a
year afterwards when he quitted Olmutz.
Whilst Lafayette,, reserved for the scaffold, was tor
tured in the prisons of Olmutz, his wife, uncertain of his
existence, and condemned to perpetual grief in the prisons
of Paris, daily expected to be led to execution, as had
happened to the greater part of her family. The fall
of tne tyrant saved her life ; but she did not, till long
after his death, regain her liberty and strength sufficient
to execute her designs. Having landed at Altona the
•flth of September 1795, she set out for Vienna under the
name of Mot tier, with an American passport ; and arrn
ved at Vienna before the court could be informed of her
purpose, or prepared against her application.
The Prince de Rosenberg, affected with her virtues,
obtained for her and her daughters an audience of the
Emperor, some detail of which it may be proper to give.
Madame Lafayette, claiming the liberty of her hus-t
band, in the name of justice and humanity, that prince
answered her, " This affair is complicated ; my hands
are tied respecting it ; but 1 grant with pleasure all that
is in my power, by permitting you to join M. de la Fay-
ptte : I should act as you do were I in your place. M,

Lafayette's life. 87
de la Fayette is well treated, but the presence of his
wife and daughters will be an additional indulgence."
Madame Lafayette spoke of their prisoners, and par
ticularly of Lafayette's servants, Avho she kneAV had suf
fered much, and whose affair could not be complicated.
The Emperor very graciously permitted her to write
respecting those from Olmutz, and to address her ap
plications directly to his imperial majesty ; and Madame
ds Lafayette, re-assured by the reception she had met
Avith, then wrote on the road from Vienna to Olmutz,
that she was asstonished to find herself yet susceptible
of all the happiness she was beginning to enjoy. But it
was not long before sad experience convinced her that
the EraperGr was deceived, and was ignorant of the cruel
and tyrannical abuse his barbarous agents made of his
name and authority.
Mesdames de Maubourg and de Puzy, inspired by the
same sentiments, wished also to partake the chains of
their husbands ! but they were never permitted to enter
the Austrian domiuions.
It is easy to imagine the impression Lafayette must
have experienced at the sudden appearance of his wife
and his children, whose existence had long been to him
an object of fear and uncertainty ; and that which his
affectionate daughters and their mother must have felt
at the sight of his emaciated figure and pale counten
ance. But thev did not expect that their embraces
would be interrupted, by the jailers robbing the travel
lers of all they had brought with them.
They took their purse, very ill supplied, and easily
seized three forks considered as instruments of suicide : —
for they well knew the temptation to it they had in
spired. On this unexpected treatment, madame de'la
Fayette desired to speak to the commandant. They
answered that he was forbidden to see her, but that she
might write to him. She desired to write to the Em-
[>eror, conformably to the permission he had granted
ler ; this they refused, telling her that her applications

38 Lafayette's life.
to the commandant would be forwarded to Vienna.-r-
These consisted in attending mass on Sunday, having a
soldier's wife to wait on her daughters, and being as well
as Lafayette, waited on by, one of his domestics. She
received no answer to all these demands, nor to an ap
plication she some time afterwards addressed to the min*.
ister of war, to see Latour Maubourg and Puzy, except
this, " Madame de la Fayette, has submitted to share
the captivity of her husband."
At length the health of this unfortunate lady, impair-.
ed by sixteen months imprisonment, and dreadful vexa-<
tion, in France, displaying symptomb which denoted a
tendency of the fluids to putrescence, she thought it her
duty to attempt some means for her preservation ; and
wrote to the Emperor to solicit permission from him to
pass a week at Vienna, there to respire salubrious air,
and consult a physician, After two months of silence,
which supposes the necessity of medical advice as of no
consequence, the commandant, till then unknown to the
prisoners, entered their apartment, ordered without
giving any reason, the young ladies to retire to a sepa
rate room, signified to Madame de la Fayette the Empe
ror's refusal for her ever to enter Vienna, and gave her
permission to go out, on condition of never returning : —
he desired her to write and sign her option ; she wrote :
" I considered it a duty to my family and friends to de
sire the assistance necessary for my health ; but they
well know that it cannot at the price attached to it, be
accepted by me. I cannot forget, that whilst we were
on the point of perishing, myself by the tyranny of Ro
bespierre, and my husband by the physical and moral
sufferings of captivity, I was not permitted to obtain any
intelligence of him, not to acquaint him that his children
and myself were yet alive ; and I shall not expose my
self to the horrors, of another separation. Whatever,
then, may be the state of my health and the incon
veniences of this abode for my daughters, we will grate
fully avail ourselves pf his imperial majesty's generosity!

Lafayette's life. 39
in permitting us to paftake this captivity, in all its cir
cumstances." — Signed, Noalies la Fayette.
From this moment, no complaint, was expressed, and
this ill-fated pair respired in their chambers, or more
properly speaking, dungeons, an air so foeted, from the
exhalations of a sewer, and of the privies of the garri
son placed near Fayette's window, that the soldiers who
brought their food held their nose on opening the door.
The constant answer of the person of power or inters
est, who heard their barbarities exclaimed against, was,
' Madame de Lafayette has chosen to share the lot of
her husband : she has no right to complain.' They
might as well have said, every thing is allowed against
Lafayette ; the life of his wife and children is not worth
arresting our vengeance for a moment.

FURTHER PARTICULARS RELATING TO THE GENEKAL S ESCAPE FROM
OLMUTZ.
After Lafayette made his escape from the prison of
Olmutz, he took the road he was directed, and arrived
without" any obstacle at a small town about ten miles
from Olmutz ; here the road divided ; that leading to
Troppau lay to the right; unfortunately he took the
left. — He had scarce left the town, when, perceiving
the road turning too much to the left, he suspected he
had mistaken his way, and inquired of a person he met,
the way to Bautropp. The man, eyeing him with a look
of curiosity, at length told him he had missed his way,
but directed him to take another, which, he said, would
soon lead him right. This man, from Lafayette's ap
pearance, his horse in a foam, his foreign accent, and the
inquiries he made, suspected him to be a prisoner making
his escape ; he therefore directed him by a road, Avliich,
by a circuit, led him back to the town, ran himself to the
magistrate, and told him his suspicion ; so that when
Lafayette thought himself upon the point of regaining

40 LAFAVETTE*S LlFEi
the road, which Avould soon secure his retreat, he found
himself surrounded by a guard of armed men, Avho, re
gardless of his protestations, conveyed him to the magis
trate. He was, hoAvever, so collected, that he gave the
most plausible answers to the interrogations that were
put to him ; he said he Avas an officer of excise at
Troppau, and that having friends at Olmutz, he had
been there upon a visit ; had been detained there by in
disposition longer than he intended, and as his time of
leave of absence was expired, he was hastening back, and
begged he might not be detained ; for if he did not reach
Troppau that day, he was afraid his absence might be
noticed, and he should lose his office. The magistrate
was so much prepossessed in his favour by this account,'
and by the readiness of his answers to every question,
that he expressed himself perfectly satisfied, and was'
going to dismiss him, when the door of an inner room
opened, and a young man entered with papers for the
magistrate to sign. While this was doing, the young man
fixed his eyes upon Lafayette, and immediately whisper
ed the magistrate : " Who do you say he is ?"' " The
General Lafayette." " How do you knoAv him ?" " I
Avas present when the General Avas deliArered up by the
Prussians to the Austrians at  ; this is the man, I
cannot be mistaken.'?
Fayette entreated to be heard. The magistrate told
him it Avas useless for him to speak ; he must consent im
mediately to be conveyed to Olmutz, and his identity
would then be ascertained. Dismayed and confounded,
he submitted to his hard fate, was carried back to Ol
mutz, and the day, which rose to him with the fairest
prospects of happiness and liberty, beheld him at the
close of it plunged in still deeper misery and imprison
ment. Boleman, having eluded the search of his pursu
ers, arrived at the place where the chaise had been or
dered to Avait their coming. Finding it still there, and
yet no appearance of Lafayette, he foreboded mischief;
With as much patience as he could command, he re*
maincd till, evening, not yet giving up all hopes of a for-

Lafayette's life. 41
lunate issue to their adventure. He dismissed the
chaise, however,' and made a circuitous journey, in hopes
his friends might, have escaped by a different route ;
but could gain no information Avhatever, till, on the third
day, a rumour of Lafayette having been retaken in at
tempting his escape, dissipated his hopes ; and, anxious to
learn the truth, he took the road to Olmutz. He soon
was told, the melancholy tale, with the addition, that his
friend Huger had shared a similar fate. In despair, at
having been the primary cause of his misfortune, and de
termining to share it with him, he voluntarily surrender-
edj and was committed a prisoner to the castle.
Thus, by a train of most untoward accidents, which no
prudence could foresee or guard against, failed a plan so
long meditated, and so skilfully projected. The reader's
attention must now be confined chiefly to Huger, the de
tail of whose sufferings the writer is better acquainted
with than those of Boleman, having been informed of
them by himself. The day after his entrance into the
castle, Huger received notice from the jailor, to prepare
for an examination before the chief magistrate of the
city. As he Avas not conscious of having committed any
very heinous crime, he Avas under no apprehension for
his life ; but expected that, after he had told his story,
and declared the motive of his actions, his judge might
subject him to some slight punishment, perhaps a short
imprisonment ; what then was his amazement, Avhen he
heard himself accused of having entered into a conspiracy
against the Austrian government !
The examination was carried on by means of an inter
preter, a young man of a benign aspect, who seemed to
compassionate his situation, and Avho, when he gave such
answers as he thought might tend to hurt his cause, made
him repeat his answers, softening their import, assuring
him that he knew he did not exactly express himself in
proper terms, and desiring him to recollect whether he
did not mean to answer in such and such a manner. Hu
ger saw his good intentioris, and determined to rely on
6

42 his judgment, especially after he had beard him say in a
low voice, " I am y^ur friend.*' After this, and many
subsequent examinations, the magistrate informed him
he must not expect pardon, but advised him to prepare
for the worst This exhortation, so often repeated, be
gan to have some effect upon him ; and considering he
was in the power of an absolute monarch, Avhose will
was superior to laAv, he could not shake off some melan
choly presages. His place of confinement was a loath
some dungeon, without light ; he Avas fed with the coars
est food, chained to the floor during the night ; his own
clothes taken from him, and others sent him that had al
ready been worn by many an unfortunate prisoner. Thus
be dragged on the first three months of his confinement
After that time he was removed te a better room,
into which glimmered a borrowed light } better clothes
and more Avholesome food Avere given him* and his cir
cumstances in every respect were improved. But still
he Avas uncertain as to his fate, and the jailor was the only
human being Avho visited him. One day he was surpris
ed Avith the appearance of his young friend the interpre
ter, Mr. W.  Nothing could exceed his joy at once
more beholding a kindly human face. He informed Hu
ger that the court of Austria had believed that all the
garrison of Olmutz had been engaged in the conspiracy ;
that many people had been arrested upon suspicion ; for
it could not be believed that two such young men as he
and Boleman could have formed and executed so daring a
plan without the aid of others ; but as no proofs had
hitherto appeared, it was determined to bring theni
shortly to trial, and for that purpose lawyers were to be
sent from Vienna to assist the magistrate of the city.
Huger noA\", for the first time, learned the complete fail
ure of their scheme, and that Boleman was under the
same roof Avith him. However sad the reflection was,
that his friend's sufferings equalled his own, yet he could
not express the joy he felt at being so near him. Soon
after, he discovered that he inhabited the room above
him. Thenceforward his treatment was much less rigc-

LIFE. 43
rous ; even the jailor, Avho, till lately, had observed a
profound silence, relaxed his caution, and came frequent
ly to visit him : and though a man of feAV words, yet as
his presence broke the dreary solitude, he felt happy
whenever he made his appearance. Many Avere the
experiments he tried to hold communication with Bole
man, and at length he succeeded.
He discovered that the windoAv Avhich threw a bor
rowed light into his cell served likewise to throw light
into that of Boleman. He picked a piece of lime from
the wall, and with it scratched a few Avords upon a black
silk handkerchief he wore about his neck ; then fixing it
on a stick, he climbed up the side of the room, and raised
the stick as near tlie common window as he could, till it
had attracted the attention of Boleman, Avho, after many
efforts, made himself master of it, and returned an an
swer by the same method. Delighted Avith having over
come this difficulty, they never suffered a day to pass
without some communication. To W  they were
indebted for the means of rendering their situation still
more comfortable by engaging the jailor's Avife in their
interest ; a few presents, and noAV and then a small piece
of money, induced her secretly to bring them books,
food, wjne, and warmer clothes ; and at length to pro
cure a meeting of the two friends, at first short, but by
degrees become more hardy, they were permitted to
pass some part of every day together. At length, at the
end of seven months, they were informed that the crown
lawyers were arrived. The government by this time
was satisfied that the attempt to liberate Lafayette was
planned independently by two adventurers, and that it
was not a plot laid by the secret agents of France, in
which the garrison of Olmutz at least was concerned, if
it Avere not more widely extended ; and upon their trial,
the sole fact of having attempted to rescue a state pris
oner, Avas alleged against them.
This fact being proved, they were remanded to their
prison, to await the sentence which was pronounced
against them by the supreme magistrate. They were

44 Lafayette's life.
now, however, permitted every indulgence but liberty,
Jt was some days before they heard from W  , and
when he came, they Avere astonished and confounded tp
hear from him that their punishment Avas intended to be
imprisonment for life. He however consoled them by
hinting, that if they could by any means procure money,
this sentence might be changed to one much less severe*
as it remained with the magistrate to pass what sentence
he thought proper, or even to release them entirely.
Boleman had no fortune, and as Huger had no credit in
Austria, it would be a long time before he could receive a
remittance from London. W  , their guardian angel,
promised to do all he could for them.
In the vicinity of Olmutz, resided a Russian nobleman,
of most polished manners, joined to the greatest benevo:
lence of heart. liVith him W  enjoyed a perfect in
timacy and friendship ; they were congenial souls. —
W  —had made him acquainted with the whole of their
story; and he now nobly offered to advance them what
ever money he might want to accomplish their release,
and to defray their expenses to Hamburg. Having thus
removed the greatest difficulty, his next care was to
sound the sentiments pf the magistrate* This he could
easily effect, as in the capacity of interpreter, he had
constant communication with him. He soon discerned
that the magistrate was not averse to his speaking ip
their favor ; and when he artfully insinuated that a
large reward would certainly attend his declaring himr
self inclined to pardon, he found he was listened to with
more attention, Having gained this point, he very soon
came to an eclaircissement. The magistrate made ah
exorbitant demand ; W  said it Was useless for him
to go to the prisoners with such terms ; ahd as he k^eAV
exactly the state, of their finances, he could at once
mention what they had to give, and therefore the utr
most he could expect. This sum was fifty pieces. — »
He refused to comply for less than a hundred. In an
swer to this, W  desired him to consider, that if he
delayed his determination, he might lose his prize

LIFE. 45
^together, for great interest was rriaking at Vienna for
the release of the prisoners, which he had no doubt
would succeed, as, amongst others, the English and
American Ambassadors had exerted themselves in their
favor. This upright magistrate at last yielded to the im
pulse of avarice, and agreed that if the prisoners would
send him the money before they left the prison, they
should be released the next day. To this he answered,
that they were so distrustful of all about them, that he
was certain they would rather await the result of the
petition at Vienna, than part with their little stock of
money at an uncertainty ; but added that he himself
would become their security, and be answerable to him
for the money, in case they did not pay it. To this
he agreed, and W  was authorized to negociate with
,the prisoners. AH matters being soon settled, the term
of their imprisonment was first fixed at fourteen years,
then shortened to seven, soon after to one, then to a
ihohth,' and lastly to a Aveek ; at the expiration of which
they were released from prison. They immediately re
paired to the house of the magistrate to return him thanks
for the many indulgences he had allowed them, and upon
shaking hands with him at parting, the stipulated sum
Avas put into his hands. It is not to be suppdsed they
made a long stay at Olmutz ; no longer than was ne
cessary to pour out their grateful acknowledgements to
the Russian nobleman, and above all, to the noble mind
ed, generous W  , to whose kindness they owed all
the comforts • they had ' experienced in prison, and to
whose friendly and humane exertions they were ultimate
ly indebted for their liberation. M. Lafayette, the
unfortunate cause of their distresses, remained in confine
ment till the close of the year 1797, when, upon a peace
taking place between Austria and France, he was re
leased at the request of the French General, Bonaparte.
General Lafayette is now upwards of 67 years of age ;
with a fresh and vigorous constitution for one of his
ydars — though it Avas severely tried in the (Jungeon of

46; Lafayette's life,
Olmutz. He lost all his hair during his severe confine
ment, and now wears a wig. His wife and his daugh
ters insisted upon being the companions of his imprison
ment. The constitution of his amiable wife sunk under
the trial — those of his daughters were much injured. —
These two ladies are married — and in remembrance of
" the theatre, of his toils and of his glory," bear the names
of Virginia and Carolina, One of his sons bears the hon-.
orable name of George Washington.
General Lafayette's is a true patriarchal family. His
two daughters and his two sons and their respective fam
ilies live with this illustrious man at his Castle of La
Grange. A gentleman who spent a week at his house
a few years since, says they had thirteen children cor*
responding in number to that of the old United States — .
and most of them marked in their names with something
American. Lafayette is their head — their protector-^-
the being of all others on earth endeared to them by a
thousand ties. He has only been once married. At the
age of nineteen he left the arms of his wife, and the
sweets "of home, to fight for a people to whom he was
not known, and who had no claims upon him, but he
felt for their wrongs and he was determined in opposition
to the wishes of his friends to battle for liberty in the
new world — notwithstanding the strongest affection.
bound him to his wife. She shared, the dungeon with
him ; sacrificed her life, in fact, for her affectionate hus
band — and to this day, he makes it a sacred and invaria
ble rule to abandon the pleasures of society on the anni
versary week of his wife's dissolution. " You must not
go this Aveek to La Grange, (said the American consul to
his friend) it is the week devoted to the memory of his
lamented wife."
Whenever he walks into the fields, he generally takes
some of his grand-children with him. He amuses him
self with their prattling, joins in their little sports, and
contributes to their happiness, Such is the man whose
name fills the whole of Europe with his fame — the man
who has contributed to establish the liberties of the

LIFE. 47
new world. Such is the man, who is at this moment an
object of the greatest curiosity and admiration of the
American people — and whose arrival on our shores is a
sort of national jubilee.
Lafayette is particularly remarkable for the hhaffect-
ed simplicity of his manners. He was distinguished for
his want of pride, his distaste for great parade, when he
was among us — he still preserves the same noble trait in
his character. As one striking evidence of it, he de
clined the honor, awarded to no other man — of embark
ing on board a ship of the line, especially to be despatch
ed for him, by the unanimous voice of both houses of
Congress. Lafayette is as much distinguished for his amiable
and affectionate temper, as for his respect to the liber
ties of man. His heart melts with generous emotions as
well as that of the humblest and most undistinguished of
men. The Americans are particularly dear to him. He
is ahvays accessible to them — his eye kindles Avhehever
he talks of America. " Why cannot you come to live
among us — and lay your bones among a people, who owe
you so much, and whose latest descendants will vener
ate your ashes ?¦' Lafayette pointed to his grandchildren
around him — he made no other reply. They were among
the strong ties which bound him to France. He couldnot
make up his mind to break them.
" You are now in America," said he to an intelligent
Virginian, from whom we have had the anecdote. —
" America ?" " Yes, this room is what I call America."
His guest looked around him, and beheld scattered every
where, the tokens of his country — maps of the different
states — the portraits of our distinguished men, of Wash
ington, Franklin, Henry, &c. — American books — the
electrical machine, with which the great Franklin had
made so many experiments, and which he had given as
a mark of his respect to this noble Frenchman.
Among other curiosities, was a sword, remarkable for
-singular incidents. Of all the Avorldly goods, which La
fayette most valued, Avas this SAvord. Fearful ^>f its be-

48 . Lafayette's life.
ing snatched from his possession, by some of the allied;
troops, who were then around Paris, he had deposited it
in the safe keeping of Mr. Jackson, the American charge
des Affaires in Paris. This sword had been presented
to Lafayette by the American Congress. It bore upon
it the emblems of our nation. Upon the destruction of
the Bastile, the first key of this tremendous edifice was
sent, at the instance of Lafayette, as a present to Wash
ington. The second key was melted into this sword,
thus uniting, in the same object, the memorials of the
struggles of two great nations, the one then commencing
its revolution, the other having achieved it.
lt was owing to the intercession of Washington, that
Lafayette was delivered from the dungeon of Olmutz. —
When he was restored to Paris, the commissary of the
deposit delivered him into the hands of the American
consul, who was called upon for a receipt of the illustri
ous prisoner.
Such was the treatment of a man, who is an ornament
to human nature — and of whom America is proud to
make " A nation's guest."
Those who are desirous of taking a nearer view of
Lafayette's domestic relations, may consult with advan
tage Lady Morgan's France, Those who wish to study
his political character, must go to the annals of two
great nations — and they will there see Lafayette's name
enrolled in the brightest colors — always noble in his
views, pure in his means, the friend of liberty and of man.

TOUK OP LAFAYETTE.

Perhaps the annals of greatness do not furnish an ex
ample of magnanimity, equal to that of the immortal
patriot who forms the subject of the present Avork. —
Early in life he caught the holy inspiration of freedom ;
and " the spring-time of his years" Avas devoted to the
hallowed purpose of erecting, in this western hemisphere.
an altar, amidst " darkness and doubt," to the genius of
republicanism : — a monument consecrated to liberty,
which} to use his own language, " might serve as a lesson
to tlie oppressor, an example to the oppressed."
" Reared in the lap of unlimited luxury, surrounded
by every thing conducive to physical happiness, hoAV can
we appreciate the sincerity and ardour of that attach
ment to the rights of man, Avhich stimulated him under
such circumstances, to sacrifice at the shrine of Inde
pendence ! — Upon this heroic career, he entered at an
age when all that is liberal in the human character com
mences its devclopement — when the germs of generosi
ty, untouched bv the cankenvorms of avarice or ambi
tion begin to unfold trod expand — when sympathy for
the enslaved, and abhorrence of tyranny in its hideous va
riety of forms, exhibit their first blessed fruits in all vir
tuous minds. This glorious example of disinterested pat
riotism, demands the boundless gratitude of Americans ;
and will forever remain a soul-animating theme for the
contemplation of future statesmen and philanthropists/'

50 TOtIR OF LAFAYETTE.
Although it is forty years since the venerable
hero sat his foot upon our shores, he has never ceased to
take a deep interest in whatever related to the welfare
of the United States. In ansAver to a letter, addressed to
him by Mr. Brannan, of Washington, in 1823, who had
presented him " a copy of his compilation of official mili
tary and naval letters, Avritten during the late war with
Great Britain," he thus Writes : ,
" Dear Sir. — No present could be more acceptable to
me, no pleasure in reading could be greater, tnan that
for which I am under obligations to you. Accept my
best thanks in general for the book which retraces glori
ous perils and patriotic names, in the late American War,
and also for the justice you have done to the warm inter
est of an old American citizen and soldier, in those honor
able transactions. Most deeply and affectionately, in
deed, I have felt for the worthy sons of my companions
in arms, and for the country of which it is my proud, hap->
py lot, to be an adopted son. Be pleased to present your
respected father Avith assurances of my brotherly attache
ment, sensible as I am of the mutual gratification we
should both find in remembering together our revolution
ary campaigns.*
" A visit to the United States, which I may be allow
ed to take, once moret [before] going home, would be to
me a source of inexpressible delight, lt is true, most of
the friends of my youth, the partners in common feelings
and exertions with our paternal Chief, are no more. But
several are still living, and I have been blessed with the
•most flattering testimonials that ensuing generations have
not forgotten me. How happy should I be in sight of
that eminent freedom, prosperity, domestic comfort, and
*The pistols presented by the Marquis Lafayette to Gen. Washington,
and worn by the latter during the most of our Revolutionary War, were, on
the anniversary of the New Orleans victory, presented by Wm. Robimsok,
Esq. of Virginia, through Col. Merceu, to Gen. Jackson.
tit is presumed that the word before was omitted iu the original letter, and
supplied by the printer.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 51
all the advantages of true civilization and extensive felici
ty, which, placing the United States above ancient and
modern societies, seem to stand as a compensation for the
disappointments we have had to deplore in Europe.^
During the session of the 18th Congress, that body unan
imously passed a resolution inviting him to the United
States, and offered a national vessel for his conveyance
to our shores. But he modestly declined the offer, pre-
fering to embark in a private vessel. It being well un
derstood that the General would arrange his affairs in
France in season to visit the United States during the
summer of 1 824 — the Mayor of the city of Boston,
by direction of the city council, addressed Lafayette
the following letter ; United States of America.
Boston, 20th March, 1824.
Sir— Your intention to visit the United States has
been made known to its citizens by the proceedings of
their national legislature. The city of Boston shares in
the universal pleasure which the expectation of so inter
esting an event has diffused, But it has causes of satis
faction peculiarly its own. Many of its inhabitants re
collect, and all have heard of your former residence in
this metropolis, of the delight with vvhich you Weie here
greeted on ydUf sefcohd visit to this country ; ahd of the
acclamations of a grateful multitude, which attended you,
when sailing from this harbour on your last departure
from the United States ; and also of that act of munifi
cence, by which, in latter times you extended the hand of
relief, in their distress.
These circumstances have impressed upon the inhab
itants of this city, a vivid recollection of your person, and
a peculiar interest in ydur character, endearing you to
their remembrance by sentiments of persPpal gratitude,
as well as by that sense of national obligation with which
the citizens of the United States are universally pene
trated. With feelings of this kind, th* City Council of Boston,

,r)2

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

in accordance with the general Avjsh of their constituents, "
have directed me to address this letter to you, and to
express the hope that, should it comport with your con
venience, you would do them the honor, on your ensu
ing visit to the United States, to disembark in this city,
and to communicate the assurance that no event could
possibly be more grateful to its inhabitants ; — that no
Avhere could you meet with a more cordial welcome ; that
you could find ho Avhere hearts more qapable of appre
ciating your early Zealand sacrifices to, the cause of
American freedom, or more ready to acknowledge and
honor that cfiaracterestic uniformity of virtue, with
which through along life, and in scenes of unexampled
difficulty and danger, you have stedfastly maintained, the
cause of an enlightened civil liberty in both hemispheres.
Very respectfully, I am your obedient servant,
JOSIAH QUINCY, Mayor of the
City of Boston.
General Lafayette.

ANSWER OF GEN. LAFAYETTE. Paris, May 26, 1824.
Sir — Amidst the new and high marks of benevolence
the people of the United States and their representatives,
haye lately deigned to confer upon me, I am proud and
happy to recognize those particular sentiments ofthecitir
zens of Boston, which have blessed and delighted the
first years of my public career, and the' grateful sense of
which has ever since been to me a most valued reward
and support. I joyfully anticipate the day not very re
mote, thank God, when I may revisit the glorious cradle
of American, and in fqture I hope of universal liberty. —
Your so honorable and gratifying invitation would have
been directly complied with in the case to which you
are pleased to allude. But while I profoundly feel the
honor intended by the offer of a national ship, I hope I
shall incur no blame by the determination I have taken^
to embark as soon as it is in my power on board a pri
vate vessel. Whatever port I first attain, I shall with

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 53
the same eagerness hasten to Boston, and present its be
loved, revered inhabitants, as 1 have the honor to offer
it to the City council and to you, Sir, with the homage
of my affectionate gratitude and devoted respect.
LAFAYETTE.
To the Mayor of the City of Boston.
We place upon record the following copy of the
letter of Gen. Lafayette to the Hon. Mr. Lloyd, men
tioned in a late paper, as a specimen of the neat, flowing,
and affectipnate style of our country's friend. It Avas
written by the General in English : —
" Paris, May 29th, 1824,
" MY DEA^ Sir — I have, vvith the most lively sense
of gratitude, received your kind letter from Washington,
and anticipate the happy day when it will be in my
power to present you, under the hospitable roof to
Avhich you are pleased to invite me, my very affection;-
ate thanks. While 1 have to mourn the loss of many
intimate friends and companions of my younger days, I
feel a peculiar and most pleasing gratification to find in
their posterity sentiments congenial to those with which
they had honored me. No feelings of that kind can be
more welcome to me than in the renewal of my old ac
quaintance with the darling child of my friend Samuel
Breck, now become your worthy lady. Present her my
tender and grateful respects.
" Whatever be the part of the United States, Avhere
I will find myself on my attaining the beloved shore, 1
shall not lose time in my eagerness to revisit the city of
Boston, and answer the flattering invitation I have late
ly received. You do justice to the delight I shall feel
at the sight of the felicity and prosperity, which has
been the due reward of a virtuous Revolution, founded
on the principles of true liberty and self government. —
With the. fond hope to have before long the pleasure t©

54 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE,
take you by the hand, I beg you my dear Sir, in the
mean while to accept by best acknowledgement, high
regard, and sincere attachment." LAFAYETTE.
Hon. Jas. Lloyd. Mem. of the Senate of U. S.
The Hon. Mr. Lloyd of Boston, had previously invito
ed the General, on his arrival in Boston, to reside at his
mansion during his stay in that city ; ahd the General
having signified his acceptance of the invitation, it gave
occasion for the following report, from the committee of
the City council, charged with the subject of making
the necessary arrangements for the reception of Lafay
ette in Boston : —
In the Board of Aldermen, on Thursday, July 22d,
the Mayor, from the joint committee charged with
making arrangements for the reception of Gen. Lafay
ette, and to whom was referred the letter of the Hon,
Mr. Lloyd, relative to his invitation to the General to
take residence with him, reported,
That the invitation of our respected fellow citizen to
General Lafayette was given antecedent to the oc*
currence of any public expression oh this subject, ahd
without anticipating the universality of the wish which
has since appeared, that during Gen. Lafayette's resi-
dence in the United States, he should be considered as a
guest of the public, that on being apprized of these views
and wishes, Mr. Lloyd has expressed his entire willing^
ness to acquiesce in them, and has received the intima
tions pf the committee in a manner conformable to their
expectations. Your committee, therefore, have come
to the determination, in conformity to what they under
stood to be the general wish of their fellow citizens, and
of the City council, that during the residence of General
Lafayette in Boston, he should be considered as the
guest of the City ; and are making ^ arrangements accor^.
dingly. This report was accepted in both branches.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 55
In the month of July, the General took passage in the
ship Cadmus, Captain Allyn* and embarked from Havre,
for NeAV-York, accompanied by his son George Wash
ington Lafayette, and arrived at the latter place on Sun
day the 15th of August : — finding it more convenient to
disembark in that city, than in Boston. His reception
in NeAV*York was such as might be. expected from a
grateful people, all anxious to testify their respect for
him, and evince the high estimation in which they hold
his character, as well as the affection, and gratitude felt
for him by every individual of our country4
lt may not be improper here to remark the contrast
of feeling evinced on his leaving France, and his disem
barkation in the City of NeAV-York. To afford the rea
der some idea how mean, contemptibly mean, were the
vexations thrown in the way of the old veteran, and
those who wished to do him honor, by the little ty
rants of the police, we have copied the following ac
count from the New- York Commercial Advertiser given
by a gentleman Avho was an eye witness pf the arrival of
Gen. Lafayette at Havre, and his embarkation on board
of the Cadmus.
" In the one place, the patriotic hero is allowed only
to quit the country of his birth, and for which he has so
often bled, amid contumely and insult, because through
evil and through good report, he has shown himself the
firm, consistent and unvyavering friend of rational free
dom. , In the other, for those very qualities, he is re
ceived amid the joyous shouts and acclamations of one
hundred thousand freemen* which are responded by ten
millions more — all striving to rival each other in testimo
nials of affection, gratitude and esteem !"

*Remar_ablk coincidence. — We have been informed, that Capt. Robert
Allyn, (the father of Capt. Francis JLllyn, who commanded the ship Cadmus
that brought out General Lafayette,) was an officer ofmeritiuthe American
Infantry under the immediate command of the General, at the siege of York-

town.

56

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE*

EMBARKATION OF GEN. LAFAYETTE AT
HAVRE,
As it Was expected that the General Avould arrive" ear
ly in the afternoon of the 12th, several merchants, and a
great number of young men left this at 2 P. M. in caN
riages, gigs, and on horseback, to go out to meet Monsieur
Lafayette at Harfleur, (6 miles from Havre,) and accom
pany him into town. The American Consul, and all the
American gentlemen, and captains of ships in the har
bor, intended also paying the same compliment to the
General ; but the Sans Prefect notified to the Consul,
that the Americans must not do so.
" The road for two miles out of town continued crowd
ed from 3 in the afternoon till dark, when no tidings of
the General having come,- the people returned into town*
where they remained in groups all the evening. Havre
presented the appearance of a toAvp in danger of an ene
my's approach. The guards were doubled at all the postsj
patroles of soldiers, police men, and gens-d'armes, marched
about, and prevented the crowd from collecting in any
one spot.
" At a quarter past 10, the General arrived in a post
carriage, with his son and secretary. They were ac^
companied by the carriages that had gone out from
Havre, and about one hundred young men on horseback,'
all dressed alike. A strong body of gens-d'armes escorted
the cavalcade. On arriving at the entrance to the city,
the gates were shut, and the guard drawn out with fixed
bayonets. It Avas then asked if it was the Marquis de
Lafayette, who was there, and on being answered that it
was General Lafayette, the gate was opened to admit
his carriage, and closed immediately, to prevent the enj
try of any of those who had gone out to meet the
General. After repeated and unavailing attempts to get
in, and expostulating with the officer on guard, this latter
assured the gentlemen, on his honour, that if they would
go to the Poste de Pincettes, (a gate at the rear side of
the city, and a mile from the principal one,) they would

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 57
be admitted. On presenting themselves at that gate, it
was closed, and they Avere desired to go back to the
principal gate, where they were admitted, two by two,
at intervals, and the names of several taken.
" In the mean time, the General proceeded to the
house of Mr. Philippon (a most respectable merchant,)
where an elegant dinner was provided, and a large party
waiting to receive him. In the course of the entertain
ment, a stone was thrown by some miscreant in through
one of the windows, which passed close to the head of
one of the gentlemen. On the morning of the thirteenth,
crowds again assembled, to witness the embarkation of
the General, and the streets presented the same appear
ance as the evening before. A party of soldiers was
drawn up opposite the Cadmus, on the custom house
quay, where it was supposed the embarkation would
take place. — Every impediment was used to prevent the
people from showing any mark of respect. The Cad
mus, in consequence of the tide's falling, was obliged to
haul out into the roads. The General, accompanied by
a body of gentlemen, arrived, and went on board the
steam boat, which was previously cleared by order of
the Police, who would not allow him to embark whilst
any body of the town was on board. They also hauled
down the flag belonging to the boat, and would not let it
be hoisted whilst M. Lafayette was on board. The
gates were shut, to prevent the people going to the pier
head to take a last view of the General. However, in
this their efforts were unavailing, as every boat that
could be had, was immediately filled, and followed the
steam boat to the Cadmus, then two miles off. A gen-
d'arm and a police officer went out in the Cadmus, to
prevent any body but the General and his suite going on
board. On his coming along side, he was received with
hearty and repeated cheers from the ship, which were
returned from the boats, and afeAV persons on shore, who
had got out and assembled about half a mile from the
pier (to be out of the way of the military, as there was a
strong guard at the pier head.) This closed the scene."
8

58 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
LANDING AT NEW YORK.
As the ship passed the narrows, a salute was fired
from Fort Lafayette.* The General, with his suite, was
landed at Staten Island, where they were met by the
Vice President of the United States, and conducted to his
residence. Here he was waited upon by a committee of
the corporation of the city, and informed of the arrange
ments that had been made for his reception.
Oh Monddy morning, the city was enlivened with the
sound of festivity, which every where prevailed, pro
claiming the pleasure with which his visit Avas anticipa
ted. The battery and every avenue to the river, which
could afford a view of the passage from Staten Island,
are represented as having been crowded. Between ten
and eleven o'clock, the steam ship Robert Fultoh, with
"about two hundred United States seamen, decorated with
national flags, sailed for the island, accompanied by the
steam boats Chancellor Livingston, Oliver Ellsworth,
Connecticut, Nautilus, Bellona, and others, all crowded
with passengers, and enlivened with bands of music. The
General embarked, at one o'clock, on board the Chancel
lor Livingston, where he was introduced to the commit
tee, deputed by the corporation, the navy, army, and state
militia officers, Chamber of Commerce, and Society 'of
Cincinnati. This aquatic procession then moved to the
city, followed in the fear by the ship Cadmus, beautifully
decorated, towed by two of the steam boats.
On landing at the Battery, he was saluted by the
troops, and the long continued cheers of the throng of
spectators. After resting a few minutes, he was escort
ed by the troops, through Broadway to the City Hall,
where he was received by the Corporation, and formally
welcomed by the Mayor in the following appropriate
address : ,
" General^ — In the name of the municipal authprities of
the city, 1 bid you a sincere Avelcome to the shores of a
* The President directed that General Lafayette should be received at any
military post which he might visit. " with the honours due to the highest milita-
* ry rank in our service,"

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 5,9
country, of whose freedom and happiness you will ever
be considered one of the most honored and beloved
founders. Your only cotemporaries in arms, of whom indeed but
few remain, have not forgot, and their posterity will
never forget, the young and gallant Frenchman who
cdhsecratett his youth, his talents, his fortune, and his ex
ertions to their cause-r-vvho exposed his life — who shed
his blood that they might become free and happy. They
will recollect with profound emotions, so long as they re
main worthy of the liberties they enjoy, the exertions
you made to obtain them, that you came to them in the
darkest period of their struggle — that you linked your
fortune with theirs, when it seemed almost hopeless —
that you shared in the dangers, privations, and sufferings
of that bitter struggle, nor quitted them for a moment,
till it was consummated on the glorious field of York-
town. Half a century has elapsed since that great
event, and in that time your name has become as dear to
the friends, as inseparably connected with the cause of
freedom, in the old, as in the new world.
The people of the United States look up to you as to
one of their most honored parents — the country cher
ishes you as one of the most beloved of her sons. I hope
and I trust, sir, that not only the present, but the future
conduct of my countrymen, to the latest period of time,
will, among other slanders, refute the unjust imputation,
that Republics are always ungrateful to their benefac
tors. In behalf of my fellow citizens of New- York, and
speaking the warm and universal sentiments of the whole
people of the United States, I repeat their welcome to
our common country.
Permit me to add that the moment of my life, to which
I shall look back Avith the greatest pleasure and pride,
will be that in which it fell to my lot to be an organ for
expressing, however feebly, a nation's gratitude."

60 i TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
The General then replied in a very feeling manner :
" Sir — While I am so affectionately received by the
citizens of NeAV York, and their worthy representatives,
I feel myself overwhelmed with inexpressible emotions.
The sight of the American shore, after so long an absence,
the recollection of the many respected friends and dear
companions, no more to be found on this land, the plea
sure to recognise those who have survived ; this im
mense concourse of a free republican population who so
kindly welcome me, the admirable appearance of the
troops, the presence of a corps of the National navy,
have excited sentiments to which no human language can
be adequate, You have pleased, Sir, to allude to the
happiest times, the unalloyed enjoyments of my public
life ; it is the pride of my heart to have been one of the
earliest adopted sons of America. I am proud also to
add, that, upwards of 40 years ago, I have been particu
larly honored with the freedom of this city. I beg you,
Mr, Mayor, I beg you, Gentlemen, to accept yourselves,
and to transmit to the citizens of New York, the homage
of my profound and everlasting gratitude, devotion and
respect." He then received the marching salute of the troops,
and was conducted to his apartments at the city hotel,
where the, members of the corporation dined with him.
In the evening, the front of the city hotel, and several
other buildings were illuminated. Transparencies were
also exhibited at the theatres, and rockets thrown up
at the public gardens, in honor of the occasion.
On Tuesday, the General repaired to the Governor's
chamber, in the City Hall, where he received the con
gratulations of the citizens generally, on his safe arrival,
and returned the civilities in a most affectionate manner,
Sometime since, the General was the means of rescuing
" from a French prison, a young man, who had forfeited
his life by some political crime. The cidevant prisoner
of course left the land of his birth with the greatest pos
sible despatch ; but of his fate, after the period of his es
cape, Lafayette was wholly unapprised, until his arrival

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 61
here on Monday, when the identical young Frenchman,
whose life he had been the means of saving, presented
himself before his benefactor.
On Wednesday, he was visited by the Clergy and
military officers, who had made arrangements to wait on
him in separate bodies, to testify their respect for the
worth of this distinguished champion of freedom.

The following is the original address of the French
gentlemen of this city to General Lafayette, with his an
swer, accompanied Avith translations : —
General — Au nom des Francais residant en cette ville,
nous venons vous feliciter de votre heufeuse arrivee sur
cette terre hospitaliere — sur cette terre dont le seul aspect
a dufaire naitre en vous les plus vives emotions. En effet
vous ne pouvez y faire un pas qu'il n'eveille en vous un
souvenir — au tour de vous le reconnaissance. Pour une
ame comme la votre, quelle plus belle jouissanCO que de
voir les principes pour les quels vous avez combattu soit
sur les champs de bataille, soit a la tribune consacres par
le bonheur d'une nation entiere. L'hommage libre et
spontane de cette nation genefeuse est une lecen frap-
pante pour tous les hommes du pouvoir"; elle leur apprehd
que si les peuples ou blient, ou ne se rappellent que pour
les maudire, les noms de ceux qui les opriment, lis hono-
rent, ils cherissent leurs benefaiteurs et leguent a la re
connaissance de leurs neveux les noms des Washington
et des La Fayette.
L'emotion que nous eprouvons en vous yoyant L'Hote
de la nation Americaine, ne peut se decrire ! Dans ce
sentiment profond nous puisons un voeu digne de vous,
celui de voir notre belle France assurer la liberte individ-
uelle par des institutions liberales qui la mettent a'labri
"u caprice et du despotisme.
AUG. MONNERON, President.
F. CHEGARA Y, Secretair.

4

62 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
[Translation.']
General,— \n the name of the French residing in this
city, we come to congratulate you on your safe arrival
on this hospitable shore, on this land, the sight of Avhich
must have excited in you the liveliest emotions, and
where you will not be able to take a step without awak
ening in you some grateful recollection. For a mind
like yours, what purer pleasure than to behold the prin
ciples for which you have contended, both on the field of
battle and in public assemblies, consecrated by the hap
piness of a whole nation ! The free and spontaneous
homage of this generous and enlightened people, is a
striking lesson for the powerful of the earth. It teaches
them that if nations forget, or only remember with exe
crations, the names of those who oppress them, they
honour, they cherish their benefactors, and leave, as a
legacy to the gratitude of their posterity, the names of a
Washington and a Lafayette, The deep emotions
which we experience in seeing you the guest of the
American nation, cannot be described. From that pro
found feeling Ave derive a sentiment worthy of you — it is
the desire of seeing our beautiful France rear and estab
lish ^liberal institutions, securing individual liberty, alike
beyond the control of intrigue, caprice, or despotism.
(Signed) AUQ. ^IQNNERON, President,
F. Chegaray, Secretary.  ?
Messieurs, — C'est un grand bonheur pour moi, a mon
arrivee sur cette terre de liberte, d'y recevoir les feli
citations de mes compatriotes ; deja au moment de mon
depart, les temoignages de bieneveillance, de la bonne
ville du Havre, les derniers accens du Rivage Francais,
avaient laisse dans mon cceur de bien doux souvenirs.
J'aime a partager avec vous les emotions que J'eprouve
dans cet heureux pays Americain, auquel se suis attache
par tant de liens. Nous aussi, patriotes de '89, nous
avons voulu etablir, la dignite, la propriete, le bonheur
de notre belle France, sur les bases sacrees de la liberte,
et de I'Egalite ; malgre nos mecomples, et nos malheurs,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 63
les contemporaius de cette epoque et nom mement votre
respectable president, vous diront que la revolution de
'89 a grandement ameliore le sort de l'immense majorite
de peuple. Ne desesperons pas, Messieurs, de la cause
de la liberte ; les cceurs Francais battent encore pour
elle, et nous aurons un jour a nous feliciter de la voir
etablie dans notre chere patrie.
[Translation.']
Gentlemen — It is a great happiness for me, on my arri
val in this land of liberty, to receive the congratulations
of my countrymen. At the moment of my departure,
the testimonials of the affectionate attachment of the
good city of Havre, the parting accents from the shore
of France, left in my heart the most grateful emotions. I
delight to participate with you the feelings which I ex
perience in this happy American land, to which I am
bound by so many ties. We also, patriots of 1789,
sought to establish the national dignity, the security of
property, and the happiness of our beautiful France,
upon the sacred foundations of liberty and equality:
notwithstanding our misfortunes, the cotemporaries of
that epoch, and especially your respectable president,
will inform you that the revolution of 1789 has greatly
ameliorated the condition of an immense majority of the
people. Do not let us despair, gentlemen, of the cause
of liberty : it is still dear to the hearts of Frenchmen,
and Ave shall one day have the felicity of seeing it estab
lished in our beloved country.
The New York Historical Society having elected
the General and his son as honorary members, he was
on the appointed day introduced into the hall of the so
ciety, and being seated,
Dr. Hpssack, the President, rose and delivered the
following address to him.
" General Lafayette, — In compliance with the unani
mous resolutions of the NeAV York Historical Society, I
have the gratification to announce to you, your election
as an honorary member of this institution, and to present
to you a copy of their transactions.

64 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
In announcing to you the resolution of this Society,
permit me to observe, that it Avas the exclusive object in
the formation of this institution, to collect, preserve, and
record the materials appertaining to the history of our
state and country.
Among these, none have been so precious as those
relating to the revolution, in Avhich you bore a memora
ble and distinguished part, and to whom, under Provi
dence, our country is signally indebted for its independ
ence, and the prosperity and success that have followed
in its train.
In the name of this institution, 1 also tender to you
their congratulations upon your sale arrival, which affords
you the opportunity to witness the happy condition of
that country, in whose behalf the sword of your youth
was drawn, and personally to bear your testimony to the
blessings, which have followed the achievements thaf
have been accomplished by the united efforts of a Wash
ington, and his illustrious companions in arms. General,
my bosom glows at the association which these events
bring to your recollection, and every heart in this assem
bly throbs with inexpressible emotions at the sight of the
hero, who this day enters their hall, and confers a lasting
honor upon the sittings of this society.
Long, long, sir, may you live to enjoy the homage so
justly due, and spontaneously offered, from the hearts of
a free and grateful people, for the services you have ren
dered to this nation, to the world, to liberty, and to the
ever memorable establishment of the only example on
earth-^-a pure unmixed republican form of government.
The same historic page that records these events, will
also inscribe, in golden capitals, the immortal names of
Washington and Lafayette."
General Lafayette thereupon rose, and replied as fol
lows :
" Sir, — With the most lively gratitude, I receive the
honor which the Historical Society of New York have
conferred, by electing me one of their members.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 65
Permit me also thankfully to acknoAvledge the flatter
ing manner, in which you are pleased to announce this
mark of their benevolence.
The United States, sir. arc the first nation on the
records of history, avIio hnvc founded their constitutions
upon an honest investigation, and clear definition of their
natural and social rights.
Nor can avc doubt but that, notwithstanding the com
binations made elsewhere by despotism and aristocracy
against those sacred rights of mankind, immense majori
ties, in other countries, shall not in vain observe the hap
piness and prosperity of a free, virtuous, and enlightened
people. The President of the Society next addressed M.
George Washington Lafayette as follows :
'' George Washington Lafayette — In accordance Avith
the resolution of the New York Historical Society, I
have also the honour to present yon a similar evidence
of membership with that conferred upon your illustrious
<_• *
oire. May you, sir, emulate his talents and his virtues ; and
may the same undaunted spirit, which led him to offer his
life at the altar of freedom, animate the bosom of the
son in the same glorious cause."
To which the folloAvin_; reply Avas made —
" Sir — I cannot find words adequate to the feelings
which I experience at this moment.
Permit me to beg of you to present to the members
of this society, the homage of my profound respect and
gratitude, for the unexpected honour at this time confer
red upon me."
The General on this occasion, sat in the chair, present
ed to the society by Governeur Morris, and Avhich had
been occupied by the unfortunate Louis XVI. Over
the chair hung the portrait of the General, taken at the
ago of 29, and contrasted finely the young and chivalrous
Marquis, Avith the veteran on Avhom forty years had
since been impressed, Avithout diminishing in the least that
ardeut love of liberty Avhich gloAved in his vouthful bosom.
9

66 Tour of lafayettE.
It is a very pleasing incident on this occasion, mention-1
ed in the New York papers, that the citizens generally
mounted the revolutionary cockade, (black and white)
in compliment to General Lafayette.
Among others, We find the following anecdote, which
certainly deserves to be repeated and remembered. Mr.
Hurley, a hatter, having presented to General Lafayette,
a handsome cocked hat, Mr. George Washington Lafay
ette sent to Mr. , H's shop to procure a hat for himself.
This was immediately furnished — but when payment
was offered, Mr. Hurley declined, saying that all the hats
he could supply the Lafayettes with, were paid for forty
years ago ! ! As neat and well-turned a compliment as
could be paid.  ^ 
ADDRESS OF THE BAR OF NEW YORK,
General Lafayette, having signified his readiness to
receive the gentlemen of the bar on the 19th inst. they
assembled on that day, in the Common Pleas Room
in the City Hall, and proceeded thence to the Sessions
Room, Avhere they were presented to the General.
Their number was about three hundred, being the largest
meeting of the profession ever known in this city. Mr.
Hoffman, their chairman, addressed General Lafayette
as follows :
" General — In behalf of the bar of the city of New
York, now assembled, I tender to you the tribute of their
respect, and their cordial congratulations, on your return
to your adopted country.
Your presence, General, gives renewed vigbur to patri
otic feelings and national pride ; it recals to the hearts
of all, the struggles, the privations, the victories of the
revolution ; and on our minds, it deeply impresses the
Value of those civil institutions, of that republican form
of government, of that rational freedom we now enjoy,
and which your valour contributed to achieve.
You left us, General, at the close of our contest, an
impoverished people ; our government inefficient, our na
tional credit prostrate ; our country bleeding and suffer-

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 67
ing from the devastations of war. — You find us an exalted
nation ; our republic honored and respected by foreign
powers ; our public credit not surpassed ; our country
rich ahd prosperous ; our people free and happy, pro
tected by a government of their own choice, and Avhose
energy and power are founded in the affections of its
citizens. What can be more grateful to the heart of the
patriot, and to him, who, by his sword, his fortune, and
his sacrifices, assisted in consecrating the principles of our
independence ? We, who daily witness the supremacy
of the laws, their faithful administration, and the equal
rights they secure, are emulous to join in the loud acclaim
which bursts from every corner of the land ; the spon
taneous effusion of a nation's heart !
But, with us, one remembrance tempers exultation. —
Would that the feelings of the New York Bar might
have been uttered by him, now no more, who passed
with you, through dangers and honour, in the emulation
of youthful gallantry, and was your associate in the bril
liant crowning scene of the war of the revolution. That-
commanding intellect which was so powerfully felt in the
organization of our government — in the establishment of
its finances, and in the vindication of the great principles
of freedom ingrafted in our constitution, equally display-
edits superiority in the pursuits of forensic life. Had it
been permitted to your early friend and companion, to
present himself the representative of a profession his ta
lents and principles adorned, his eloquence would have
done justice to our grateful sense of your services, and
to our high respect for your character."
THE GENERAL'S ANSWER.
" Testimonies of esteem from so respectable a body
as the Bar of New York, are highly flattering to me. I
most deeply sympathise, gentlemen, in your regrets for
the friend whose prodigious talents made him as emin
ent in your profession as he had been in our military la
bours, when he deserved Washington's most intimate
confidence. The truly republican forms of the Aroeri-

68 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE,
can constitutions, cannot but endear them to every citi
zen of the United States. Yet to any one, who with an
American heart, has had opportunities of a comparison
with other countries, the blessings of those institutions
must appear still more conspicuous, I beg you, sir, and
all of you, gentlemen, to accept my grateful and affection
ate thanks."
The General, during his tour to New York visited
the Navy Yard at that place. He was attended by the
Committee of arrangements ; and a select circle of la
dies and gentlemen proceeded in the elegant steam boat
Chancellor Kent, to visit the Navy Yard at Brooklyn. — >
On his way to the Navy Yard, and on his return, he
received salutes from the forts and vessels in the har
bor. On visiting the Steam Frigate he was much pleas
ed with the construction of this formidable and unique
naval battlement.
The General was then conducted on board of the
Washington 74, where refreshments were provided for
the whole party. After refreshing himself, he
took a rapid survey of the ships, and those now build
ing, and returned on board of the Kent, when another sa
lute was fired by the Constitution.
In re-passing the Grampus another salute, was fired,
and the sides Avere manned, and three cheers given by the
patriotic crew.
At one o'clock, the boat again came to the wharf, and
the general disembarked ; having enjoyed a charming
excursion, and been much gratified with viewing the
works, and witnessing the admirable order and discipline
preserved. Notwithstanding the fatigue which the veteran Gen
eral must have encountered on Monday, in going through
the arduous ceremonies of the day, he nevertheless
found time in the evening to withdraw, and pay a visit
to the widow of General Hamilton ; to dwell upon the
recollection of his public services, and condole upon the
loss sustained in his death, bv bis r.onntrv. — There FiS

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 69
a delicacy of character in such marks of attention,
which render them truly valuable.
On Monday, between the hours of 1 2 and 2, the Gen
eral received the visits and cPngratulations of his fellow-
citizens at. the Governor's room, in the city hall. The
crowd was immense, and many grey hairs, and old sol
diers of the revolution, were seen making their way to the
General. There was no order of people, no privileged
communities. Mechanics in their shirt sleeves — laborers,
generals, and judges, clergymen, and all classes, , pressed
forward to take him by the hand.
On Thursday evening, the General visited lady Kitty
Nelson, the daughter of his old friend and associate in
arms, General Lord Sterling ; Mrs. S. L. Governeur, the
daughter of the President; and Mrs. Charles King,
whom he had known intimately in France.
While the escort was passing the United States Ar
senal, a salute of 19 guns was fired by Lieut.' James
Monroe. Two of the guns used on this occasion were
taken at the battle of Yorktown, in which General La
fayette Was personally engaged.
On Friday morning at half past seven o'clock, the
General left the city of New York for Boston. He was
escorted by a large cavalcade of New York troops as far
as Byram river, the boundary of the state, where he was
met by a company of Connecticut troops from the vicini
ty of Stamford.
During the stay of the General in New York, he re
ceived the following letter from the Mayor of Philadel
phia. Philadelphia, July 31, 1824.
To General Lafayette.
Sir. — It is with the utmost pleasure I fulfil the duty
enjoined upon me by an unanimous vote of the
councils of Philadelphia, in inviting you to become the
Guest of the city. The enclosed resolutions faithfully
represent the feelings of all classes of our citizens. By
all, you are anxiously expected, and to all, your presence

70 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
will be most welcome, In their name, therefore, and
on their behalf, 1 beg you, Sir, to gratify this universal
desire ; and give to the city of Philadelphia, a participa
tion in the joy which your arrival in America will pro
duce. To me, personally, Sir, it will ever remain a subject
of pride and pleasure that it has fallen to my lot to he
the medium of this communication.
1 have the honor to be,
With the greatest respect,
Your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH WATSON,
Mayor of the city of Philadelphia.
New York, August 18, 1824.
Sir, — With the most profound gratitude I have re
ceived the kind flattering resolutions of the honorable
councils of the city of Philadelphia, and the letter by
which you have been pleased to transmit them. They
could not but increase the anxious desire I feel to revisit
the illustrious city, where so glorious scenes of the revolu
tion have taken place, and where I have passed so many
happy days. I am now going op a previous engagement
towards the eastern part of the Union, to return to New
York in ihe first fortnight of September, and I do antici
pate the delight I shall enjoy to pay my thankful, affec
tionate respects about the middle of the same month, to
the citizens of Philadelphia, whtn I will have the highly
valued gratification to tell you in person, Sir, how res-i
pectfully and gratefully I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) LAFAYETTE.
His Honor Joseph Watson, Esq. Mayor of the city of
Philadelphia. He arrived at Harhem about half past nine o'clock,
and stopped for half an hour at the hotel on the bridge.
As he approached, a salute was fired by the light artille
ry of the second regiment ; and he was greeted by loud

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 71
cheers on all sides from the inhabitants of Harlasm, who
were assembled to welcome him.. At ten o'clock, the
Cavalcade of citizens having taken leave of him, the car
riages were sent on before, and the general walked
over the bridge, accompanied by the committee : he
paused for some minutes under a tree, on the other side,
and received the congratulations of the residents of Mor-
risania ; among whom we observed several ladies, on
horseback, tastefully mounted, who paid their respects
with a grace, elegance, and feeling, which must have
been as highly gratifying to the general, as it was inter
esting to the spectators.
Some trifling alterations being required in the springs
of the travelling carriage, the General proceeded on in
the barouche, accompanied by Alderman Doughty and
Mr. Hone. Every cottage and farm-house, near enough
to the road for its inhabitants to be apprized of his near
approach, was emptied of its inmates, who lined the way
side, their countenances gleaming with the most anima
ted curiosity, while they bowed with respect and grati
tude. The hardy sons of toil, " leaving their ploughs in
the half-furrowed field, and casting aside their implements
of husbandry," at the sound of " the General is coming,"
were seen rushing to the road-side, waving their hats
with enthusiasm, and giving vent to their feelings in
shouts and huzzas. And this continued, not for ten or
twenty miles, ~but throughout the whole of this day's
route. At West Farms, at West Chester, and East
Chester, the inhabitants were assembled en masse; and
the waving of handkerchiefs and scarfs, amidst the most
animated plaudits and cheering, gave the General a
heartfelt assurance of welcome. The. cavalcade of citi
zens on horseback continued to receive recruits at every ,
town. All was animation and gaiety, and in strict accord
ance with the spirit of the occasion.
At New Rochelle, the scene was brilliant in the ex
treme. The balcony and the roof of the Post Office, and
of Capt. Peler's hotel, on the opposite side of the street,
at which house the General stopped, were filled with la-

72 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
dies. The same demonstrations of joyous welcome were
here displayed from all. The shouts of the people, the
roaring of the cannon, the merry peal of the bells, the
music of a full band, the eager, yet respectful anxiety of
the people to shake him by the hand, and bid him wel
come, must have made as gratifying an impression on the
mind of the General, as any reception which had gone
before. Here more than one old seventy-sixer,
" Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,"
came to visit their fellow soldier. Do you remember,
General, said one, who began the attack at Brandy wine?
" Aha ! Yes — it was Maxwell, with the Jersey troops !"
So it was ! So it was ! replied the delighted interroga
tor. Well, I Avas with his brigade ! A warm clasp of
the hand was all the utterance to feelings which Avere
meet reward for a life spent in the cause of liberty.
At Mamaroneck, the General was received with the
same enthusiastic welcome. A salute was fired by the
inhabitants, the bells were rung, and an excellent band of
music continued playing our national airs.
At Rye, relays of horses were provided, and the Gen
eral, his suite, and the committee of arrangements, dined,
together at Penfield's Hotel. The music came on from
Mamaroneck, and played during dinner.
At Saw Pits, the General was received with every
demonstration of gratitude and joy ; a salute was fired,
and a large number of persons joined the escort to Byram
River, where the General was met by a Connecticut
troop of horse. Here a salute of thirteen guns was fired
by the inhabitants, and the General, with the united es
cort of New York and Connecticut troops, and a large
cavalcade of ladies and gentlemen, proceeded on to Put
nam's Hill at Greenwich, or Horseneck, as it is general
ly called, in allusion to Putnam's remarkable feat. Here
was a " heart uplifting scene." The General left his
carriage at the hotel, and walked down the hill, accom-
Eanied by the committee, and the Rev. Mr. Lewis, and
is son. The road is here cut through a solid rock,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 73
which rises about twenty feet perpendicularly on each
side. Hundreds of ladies, 'amongst whom we observed
not a small portion of beauty and fashion, thronged the
hill on one side, while the gentlemen occupied the other.
The light horse from New York were stationed in the
field on the right of the old church, which has been
standing since the revolution. As the General passed
down the hilk, they fired a national salute of twenty-four
guns. - From one side of the rock, to the other, over the
road, a rural arch Avas thrown, composed of pine branch
es and wild briar, and decorated with roses ; it was de
signed by the ladies, and bore evidence of the most deli
cate taste and fancy. Pendant from the centre of the
arch, was a shield bearing the following inscription :
" This arch, on the hill rendered memorable by the
brave General Putnam, was erected in honor of the il
lustrious General Lafayette, the early and distin
guished champion of American liberty, and the tried
friend of Washington."
The centre of the arch Avas surmounted by an cjd
revolutionary flag, mangled and torn in the battle's
fiercest rage.
« Yet, freedom ! yet, thy banner torn; but flying,
Streams like a thunder-cloud against the wind."
It was the very banner that waved over the heads of
our heroes at the battle of White Plains ; it carried the
mind back to the times that tried men's souls, and every
soul that there contemplated it, felt that it could stand the
trial. The Rev. Mr. Lewis read the inscription to the
General ; told him the history of the flag, and pointed
out to him the exact spot of the heroic exploit of the
brave General Putnam. The General expressed him
self highly gratified and interested. On parting, the
reverend and patriotic paster said, " General, America
loves you !" " And I, sir," said the General, " most
truly love America !"
Col. Arcularius and his troop, now took leave of the
General, and he proceeded on in the travelling carriage
with Aldermen Wyckoff and Zabriski'e, followed by the
10

74). TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
rest of the committee, and his son, who had overtaken
him at Rye.
At the town of Greenwich, another salute was fired,*
and the same demonstrations of welcome continued along
the road. The General arrived at Stamford about seven
o'clock, and alighted at Major Davenport's, where he
remained for about an hour.
" At the house of the Hon. John Davenport, of Stam
ford, the General remained half an hour, and received
the visits of many hundreds of persons of both sexes.
A salute was fired, the bells rung, and this beautiful
town, with its gay inhabitants, particularly distinguished
for many handsome women, exhibited all the life and
gaiety of a city. Hundreds of ladies and gentlemen for
ten miles round visited this town, to see and pay their
respects to Lafayette.
" The Connecticut troop which met the General at
the line, accompanied him through Stamford, and pro
ceeded until they met the escort provided further east ;
and many citizens of Stamford set out on horseback to at
tend him to the next town.
" On the whole route the bridges and gates were free
tp all passengers.
" No accidents on the road except one : a gentleman
had his leg broken at Harlasm.
" The General travelled so fast, that many persons
could not get a sight of him in their own towns; but
many of them, on learning that he was to stop at the next,
set off in haste to overtake him ; and, in some instances^
where they missed him in the next town, still pressed
forward on foot. A great number of lads, many without
hats or shoes, walked and run, for eight miles to see him.

¦ The following anecdotes are gleaned from various
sources, but presumed to be correct
" A little Yankee urchin on the road, who was running
with all his might, *to reach the next village, in hopes of
seeing the General, stopped and inquired of me if the
Markiss Lafayette was going to dine there. Feeling a

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 75
iittle waggish at the moment, I told him that General
.Lafayette carried his dinner in his pocket, and that it
was bread and cheese. The little fellow's eyes were as-
big as a large knot hole: — ' Ay,!' said he, ' I guess he aynt
going to dine on bread and cheese neither, — we can give
him something in our State better than bread and
.cheese — 1 guess, I know.' And on he pushed at his ut
most speed."

" Feeling a little disposed to joke with an old lady at
ene of the turnpike gates, a gentleman remarked, ' Well
madam, I suppose you are very glad General Lafayette
has- come, as you must have made oceans of money today
at the gates ?'— The old lady felt indignant at the re
mark. ' Sir,' she replied, 'you must know that the Gen
eral and his friends go through this gate free of toll ; and
I should like to have him pass a thousand times /' ' Oho,
then your gates are free now '?' ' Yes,5 replied the Con
necticut dame, Avithout a moment's hesitation, ' for such
men as Lafayette, but not for those who come so far be
hind him.' This last remark quickly brought a York
shilling out of my pocket for toll, and as you may well
suppose, I hastened to get out of her sight, and the
range of her wit."
" When General Lafayette was receiving the Congrat
.ulations of his fellow citizens, with his peculiar liberality,
a youth approached him and taking him by the hand,
he exclaimed, " Sir; my father and my mother have
taught ine from my childhood to lisp your. name with
^reverence and affection." The General, much affected;
clasped him in his arms, and said, "Oyes, you are all
my children." . f,
" lt is impossible to travel through the towns of Con
necticut and not feel a part of the enthusiasm which
pervaded all classes. Even the poor lads who drove
the carriages entered fully into the common feeling, and
seemed proud of their honors. They Avore silk ribbons

76 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
fastened to the button holes of their avh ist coats, by way
of distinction ; and Avhile waiting to receive their illustri
ous passengers, usually became persons of no inconsidera
ble interest and attention with (he hundreds who stood
around. " Behave pretty now, Charley," said the driver
of Lafayette's coach to one of his horses," behave pretty,
Charley — you are going to cany the greatest man in tho
world." The following dialogue between two hoys is said to have
been over heard by a gentleman previous to tho Gener
al's entering New Haven.
1st Boy. — Are'nt you going to see Lafayette ?
2d Boy— Who tho 'luo is Lafayette ?
1st Boy. — Ho is a Frenchman and a fighter.
2d Boy.— Who did he fight ?
1st Boy. — Tho British ItegVars. I've heard Pa' tell
Iioav he came herp in the revolutionary war, and help
ed to fight for this country.
2d Boy — Did he ?— then by golhj, I'll go and see him.

"While stopping in a country town, a gentleman enter
ed into conversation with one of the citizens of Conneo,
ticul, in appearance a very poor man. Ho seemed agi
tated, and struggling hard to relieve his mind by conver
sation — reverting to the conduct of the General during
our revolutionary war. He began to praise him, but ho
could hardly pronounce his name without a sob of grati
tude. The tears seemed ready to start, but were re
pressed by the old soldier's self control. Ho changed
the subject for a moment, but it would not do. He was
thinking of nothing but Lafayette. " I have heard," he
remarked, " that the General is poor; but I hone and
trust he won't die so." To sound his feelings a httle, I
remarked, " there are many poor men who are cared
little for — what if the General should come to want, do(
you lliink there is any body in Connecticut that would re
lieve him?" " Yes I know there is," he exclaimed,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 77
# more'n ten thousand on 'em. As poor as I am, 1
should love to have him come and live Avith me all his
life — God bless him !"
The General arrived at Bridgeport at 12 o'clock on
Friday evening, Avhere he reposed a few hours, and se{
off again at 7 o'clock on Saturday morning for New Ha
ven. He was expected to have entered that city the
Srevious evening, and great preparations Avcre made for
is reception in splendid style. But such were the
croAvds to see the General, that his arrival at Bridgeport,
the place of dining, Avas delayed until half past 11 o'clock,
P. M. A deputation was Avaiting at Stratford, besides a,
company of troop 5 miles further on, to escort the Gen
eral to Ncav Haven, Avhere the city authorities had made
arrangements to receive him in the evening, under the
blaze of a grand illumination. The citizens Avaited un
til near 12. Avhen, despairing of seeing him that evening,
and knowing he Avould not remain the succeeding even
ing, the signal for illumination (tAvo guns) Avas fired, and
the most splendid scene exhibited ever Avitnessed in that
city.
ARRIVAL AT NEW HAVEN.
On Saturday morning, the General was met, about
five miles from the city, at the house of Mrs. Woodruff,
on the Milford road, by the company of horse guards, un
der the command of Major Huggins, and entered the
city about ten o'clock, under their escort, accompanied by
his son. George Washington Lafayette, M. Le Vasseur,
his secretary, and a committee of the corporation of
New York, appointed to attend him on his Avay to Bos
ton. On arriving at the intersection of George and
Church streets, he Avas received with three hearty ,
cheers by the citizens, Avhich were re-echoed and repeat- ,
ed by the people along the lines, to Morse's Hotel, wnere
the General, Avith his suite, was received by the Mayor
and other public authorities, Governor Wolcott and other
distinguished gentlemen, amidst loud and unceasing ac
clamations.

78

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

The General was conducted to the room of the court
of common council, then in session. The Mayor was
presented to him by the Hon. Mr. Edwards, and addresr
sed him as follows :
" General Lafayette,
Sir, — The authorities of New Haven can better feej
than express their delight in welcoming your arrival.
A generation has passed away since our fathers saAV
you* encamped in yonder fields. They beheld your
merits, and hastened to enrol your name as a fellow citi
zen."!" The voice of history has made us all familiar with
your services and your sufferings in the cause of liberty
in the old world and in the new. Success has here
erowned your exertions. We and our children v/ilj
recognize the ever increasing debt of gratitude due to
him who has devoted a long life of action and glory, to
principles of rational liberty and equality, teaching peo
ple and rulers that governments were made for men, and
not men for governments. The countless millions of
freemen, yet unborn, who will soon overspread this great
continent, will repeat to successive generations, the
name of Lafayette. They will ascribe to the man now
before us, and to his associates in council and in arms,
their independence and happiness.
As for ourselves, Citizen General, our joy is complete,
in viewing as our guest the philanthropic soldier and
statesman of France and America, the friend and compaur
ion of Washington."
The General was then introduced by the mayor to
the aldermen, to each common-council man, and the
clerk, in succession.
The Governor was in the opposite room, and was
coming to greet him. He had left his quarters at Mr.
Dexter's, preceded by the guards, and the sheriff of the
* The General was sometime encamped in this town in 1778, with a body
pf troops;
f In 1785j the freedom of the city was presented tp Marquis de la Fayette,
and some other distinguished Frenchmen, among whom were the Duke de la
Rochefocault, La Comtesse Sophie d'Houditot, Marquis de St. Lambert, Mar
quis de Condorcet, Le Prince de Beaureau, &c. &c.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 79
county, and was accompanied by the Judges, Peters and
Bristol, of the supreme oourt, and by his acting aids, Col.
Oliver S. Wolcott, his son, and Col. William Gracie of
New York, his son-in-law. On being presented, the
Governor took the General by the hand, and made the
folloAving address. •
" General, — I congratulate you on your arrival in the
United States, and I bid you Avelcome to the good did re
publican state of Connecticut, where you Avill find none
but sincere friends, who feel grateful for your distinguish
ed services in favour of their country, and admirera of
{our eminent exertions in support of their principles both
lere and in Europe."
To this address, the General returned an affectionate
and eloquent reply.
Here he Avas met by the veterans of the revolution, the
friends and associates of other days, sca eral of Avhom ho
recognized and embraced as his companions in arms, and
all were received with a brotherly and fond regard. Af
ter receiving the respects and congratulations of the citi
zens, together with a large number of ladies, and many
gentlemen from various parts of tho country, some of
whom came a distance of forty miles to see him, he Avas
saluted by the various military corps drawn up in front of
the hotel, who passed him in review, attended by a di
vision of the students of Yale College, in procession ; af
ter which, he took breakfast Avith the mayor, aldermen,
&c. witlj about one hundred invited guests, which was
handsomely served up by Mr. Morse, at the expense of
the city.
While at break last, the gentlemen at the table Avere
surprised to hear that the rooms just left by them were
occupied by their wives and other ladies. All the par
lours in the house Avere full and overflowing Avith. crowds
of the fair sex, Avho sent a deputation to the mayor to de
mand the honour of an admission to the levee of the
General. Such a call Avas not to be refused. The duties
of the table being ended, a Frenchman, a soldier, and a
gentleman could not but be at the service of the ladies.

80 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
More than three hundred with their children had thef
pleasure of a particular introduction. He was surprised
and delighted at this array of beauty and grace.
After breakfast,' he was taken in a barouche to the
public green, where the troops being formed in line un
der the command of Major Granniss, he passed them in
review, and received the usual military honors. He
then visited the residences of Nathan Smith, Esq, the
Hon. David Daggett, and David C. Deforest, Esq. at
each of which he remained a (ew minutes, and proceeds
ed in a barouche around the green to the Colleges, where
he was received by the students drawn up in two lines
extending to the Lyceum. Here he received the con
gratulations of the President and Faculty of the College,'
and visited the Library and Mineralogical Cabinet. —
From hence he passed around the new burial ground to
the residence of Professor Silliman, where he paid a short
visit to the widow of the late venerable Governor Trum
bull. Returning by the green, he passed the troops,
who fired a feu de joie, and returned to the Hotel.
About three o'clock, the General took his departure,
on the lower road, by East Haven, Guilford, Saybrook,
and Lyme, to New London, on his way to Boston, es
corted by the troops and civil authorities as far as East
Haven, where he pointed out the residence of the late
Rev. Mr. Street, where he had been hospitably enter
tained forty-five years ago, and expressing a desire to see
his descendants, was received by his children and grand
children, and other ladies and gentlemen of the town.
Here he took leave of the escort from the city, and
proceeded on his journey, attended by a detachment of
cavalry from Branford.
Although in New-Haven more than four hours, he
was standing all the while, excepting at the breakfast,
beside his short visit here. No such splendid mansion,
Avith its brilliant furniture, was here in '78. From the
portico in front, he surveyed the beautiful Green full of
people, with the long line of troops, the buildings around,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 81
and the fine foliage of the trees. A lively sensibility at
once appeared. He was struck with the beauty of the
scene. Such another prospect can hardly be presented
in America.
The General was much gratified with his visit to the
University. He did not anticipate such an establish
ment. He has in France been the active friend of
science, and of universal instruction. So great has been
his zeal for teaching every child, that the ultra Royal
ists have charged him with a design to corrupt all the
youth of the nation by infusing republican notions.
The General thanked them for the very kind recep
tion they gave him. He passsd through this town in
1778. He was now most agreeably surprised at the
great improvements since made. To see such very fine
troops had given him a very particular pleasure ; but
above all he should always have thepro foundest sense of
the cordial welcome given him here. Pressing his hand
on his breast, he said, he was delighted with the man
ner of his reception by every kind of person;
In East Haven, a great number of men, women and
children had assembled, to behold the General as he
passed, he alighted from his carriage and shook hands
with all — related several incidents of old times — point
ed out the house of Mr. Street, where he had been hos*
pitably entertained forty-five years ago, when the army
under his command was encamped in that place.
At Guilford he was received with a cordial welcome,
Three companies of military were paraded on the Green
and saluted him with artillery and small arms. Crowds
pressed around him, and among them some who remem
bered him in " times that tried men's souls," anxious to
offer their hands. He stopped merely long enough to
receive and return the gratulations of a great part of
the inhabitants, and continued his journey to Killing-
worth ; Avhere he arrived about candle lighting, and re
mained about an hour receiving similar attentions from
the military and citizens, and passed on to Savbrook
11

82 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
where he lodged^ Here the inhabitants had made pre
parations for receiving him in the handsomest manner;
and as he was expected much earlier than he arrived,
the table was spread and decorated, and a feast provid
ed in a manner suitable to the occasion. In the morning
he was waited on by the inhabitants, and shown every
mark of respect, that gratitude could suggest, and at half
past six he took his departure for New-London, and was
met in the vicinity by the committee of that town at 10
o'clock, where he alighted under a salute of 24 guns
from Fort Trumbull. Gen. William North, an old com
panion in arms, conducted him to the rooms assigned him,
when he received the hands of the thousands that crowd1-
ed to see him.
The citizens who wished it, were then introduced to
the General, and from the cordial and polite manner in
which they were received, were satisfied that the man
whom they delighted to honor, was richly deserving of
the respect shoAvn him. Public service having now
commenced, out of reverence for the day, and the feel
ings of the people with whom he dAvelt, the General re
paired to the Presbyterian meeting house, where the
Rev. Mr. McEwen officiated, and thence to St. James'
Church,' were service was performed by the Rev. Mr.
Judd. Afterwards, he called to pay his respects to
Madam Huntington, the widow of the late Gen. Jedi
Huntington, and Madam Perry, the mother of the late
Commodore ; Avhen he returned to his quarters, and
for about an hour devoted his time to receive the saluta
tions of ladies and gentlemen, who called, on him. At
three, dinner was announced, and he was seated in a small
circle of friends, among whom were Gen. Wm. North,
Gen. Ebenezer Huntington, Gen. Burbeck, and Doctor
John R. Watrous, who were his companions when his
noble and generous mind first put forth its energies in
the cause of our country. After a short sitting, in sweet
and patriotic sympathy, and friendly intercourse, he
arose and departed with his suite, escorted by the com
mittees of this place and Norwich, for that citv.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 83
On the General's arrival in Norwich, a national salute
was fired. The concourse of people, gathered in the
different houses and along the street from j.the Avharf
bridge to the hotel, to get a view of their Nation's Guest,
Avas immense. On his alighting at the hotel, a perti
nent address from the Mayor was delivered, to which he
returned an appropriate and feeling reply.
After this ceremony, hundreds, and perhaps we may
add thousands, eagerly pressed forward to be presented,
congratulating themselves on the pleasure they had in
seeing their country's benefactor in this free and happy
nation. In the evening, the General and suite, together with
the city officers and the committee of arrangements, sat
doAvn to supper. During the repast, reiterated cheers
Avere frequently ascending from the populace in the
street ; to each of these bursts of enthusiasm the Gen
eral arose and presented himself at the Avindow, where
the admiring multitude as often echoed it. After supper,
the General and suite left for Plainfield, accompan
ied by the deputation and an escort of citizens. The
deputation continued with him to Rhode Island line,
Avhere he was met by the committee from Providence.
As the procession left this city, a I national salute Avas
fired amid continued peals of the bells. On his arrival
at Jewett City, the whole village was illuminated, as
were all the houses between there and Plainfield, and
also in the latter village, although they had, like ourselves,
but a short notice of the General's approach.
He continued his tour, and lodged in Plainfield on Sun
day night. On Monday forenoon, he entered Providence,
under the discharge of artillery, and the ringing of bells,
where he was welcomed by thousands.
RECEPTION AT PROVIDENCE.
Early on Monday morning, the troops and citizens
Avere in readiness to meet the General, and the western
road was lined with citizens, crowding toAvards the point
where the reception was to take place. Every horse

84 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
and vehicle in the town appeared to be in requisition.
and the windows on the streets through which the Gen
eral was to pass, were thronged Avith females, waiting to
greet the Nation's Guest. The Governor's Aids pro
ceeded as far as Fish's Hotel, where they met the Gen
eral, and were introduced by the committee who had at
tended him from Connecticut. Colonel Mallett, the
senior Aid^ in a short address, expressed the satisfaction
they felt at the honor of the introduction, and the earn
est wish of the Executive to welcome "the General in
his own, and in the name of the state : to which the
General replied in a warm and concise manner. He was
then conducted to the carriage provided for him, by the
Governor's Aids, arid accompanied by them, until he
reached the line of the town, where the military were
drawn up, and an immense concourse of citizens on foot,
mounted,' arid in carriages, were waiting his arrival.
The following is the order of procession in which they
moved. Marshal.
Strangers and citizens mounted oh horseback, two abreast.
Strangers and citizens, on foot, two abreast.
Officers and Students of Brown University, on foot, two
abreast.
Second Marshal, Colonel Mumford.
Music.
Battalion of Infantry.
Cadets, Lieut. Col Greene.
Second Light Infantry Company, Capt. Meyer.
First Light Infantry Company, Captain Rathborie.
Volunteers, Lieut, Col. Babcock.
Aid. Chief Marshal, Col. Blodget Aid.
Committee of Arrangements on horseback.
Members of the Town Council in carriages.
Marshal.
i GENERAL LAFAYETTE, i
Marshal. < In an open Carriage drawn by > Marshal.
{ four greys. j
General's family in a carriage.
Society of Cincinnati in Carriages,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 85
Officers of the Army and Navy of the United States, in
carriages.
Officers of the Government of the United States, in car
riages.
Major General and suite, in uniform and mounted.
Brigadier General and aid, in uniform and mounted.
Field and staff Officers of the second brigade, in uniform
arid mounted.
Strangers of distinction in carriages.
Civil, Judicial, Municipal, Officers, Societies and citizens
in carriages.
Marshal.
The town-council and their .associates, received the
General about tAvelve o'clock, at the line of the toAvn,
where he alighted, and was addressed in an appropriate
manner by Colonel Carlisle, acting president of the
council. To which address the General verbally and
gracefully replied.
He was then received with military honors, and con
ducted to the barouche prepared for his reception, and
on being seated, was greeted with a spontaneous burst of
feeling from the immense concourse of spectators. The
procession was then put in motion, agreeably to the or
der of arrangements ; and when formed, extended more
than a mile. The General, uncovered, rode alone in the
barouche, drawn by four white horses, bestowing
through the whole march, the most complaisant smiles
and greetings on all around ; shaking, most cordially, the
hands of those who crowded around his carriage, and took
advantage of every pause in the procession, to obtain the
high honour of a grasp of the hand of Lafayette ; a cir
cumstance which every citizen will be proud hereafter to
tell his children.
The artillery, stationed on the Dexter training ground,
pealed their welcome as he passed, and the General soon
entered the populous part of the town. In passing
through Westminster-Street, and until he arrived at the
State-House, he was welcomed by that most expressive
token of affectionate interest, the waving of Avhite hand*

86 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
kerchiefs, by the fair hands of the ladies, who crowded
every building from which they could obtain a view of
this distinguished personage. Many females, we observ
ed, in the excess of their feelings, suspended this token
of Avelcome, to gaze more intently at the object, Avhom
they appeared alone to see in the whole procession, and
many a fine eye Avas wet with the gush of a tear, which,
the rush of so many sublime and sympathetic emotions
sent warm from the heart.
On arriving in front of the state house, the General
alighted, and was received in a peculiarly interesting
manner. The poplar avenue, leading to the building,
was lined on each side with nearly two hundred misses,
arrayed in Avhite, protected by a file of soldiers on each
side, and holding in their hands bunches of floAvers,
which (as the General proceeded up the avenue, sup*
ported by the Governor's aids,) they strewed in his
path, at the same time waving their white handker^
chiefs. The General afterwards expressed, the peculiar
and high satisfaction he took in this simple and touching
arrangement, On reaching the landing of the stairs, the General turn--
ed toAvard the multitude, and at the same moment the
veteran Captain Stephen Olney, (wlm served under the
General repeatedly, and was the first to force the ene
my's works at Yorktown, in which he Avas seconded, at
another point, almost simultaneously, by Lafayette) ap
proached the General, Avho instantly recognized his old
companion in arms, and embraced and kissed him, in the
most earnest and affectionate manner. A thrill wept
through the whole assembly, and scarcely a dry eye was
to be found among the spectators ; while the shouts of
the multitude, at first suppressed, and then uttered in a
manner tempered by the scene, evinced the deep feeling
and proud associations it had excited.
The General was then conducted to the senate cham->
ber, where he was appropriately introduced to his ex^
cellency, the members of the committee, town council,
&c.

Tour of lafayette. 87
After this ceremony, he came below, and there, in the
most familiar manner, shook the hands of a number of
ladies and gentlemen. — Among the rest, the ven
erable William Russell, now in his 85th year, was
introduced to him. The General shook both the vete
ran's hands in a most affectionate manner, and in an an
nunciation, that slightly marked a foreign accent, said, he
was extremely happy to take his old friend by the hand
once more, as it recalled to his memory the delightful
associations of his youth. Mr, Russell appeared at first
scarcely to comprehend the scene, but in a moment, as if
the whole had rushed upon his recollection, he exclaimed
in a voice broken by age* and still more subdued by
feeling, " Oh my dear Marquis, how happy I am to see
you once more ! — I remember well the time I served
under you as a volunteer on Rhode Island !" The Gen
eral was evidently touched, and on this, as on several oth
er occasions, the tear started to his eye. He then pro-
Ceded on foot to the accommodations provided for him,
and after entering the hotel, appeared on the Piazza, and
was greeted in the warmest manner. For nearly two
hours, he stood in his apartment, and in the most affable
manner, received the congratulations of every individual
who chose to be introduced to him.
After dinner, in company Avith the town council, &c.
the General prepared to proceed on his journey.
At about half past four, the troops, (at the particular
request of General Lafayette, who expressed his admira
tion of their discipline, and fine military appearance) were
drawn up for review, in a line extending on the street to
ward Pawtucket. The General then proceeded on foot,
and was' greeted, on entering the street, with the same
joyous acclamations. Supported by the arm of the Gov
ernor, he walked in front of the line of troops, stopping
to shake hands with all the principal officers. On
arriving at the extreme Aving he halted, and his carriage
was drawn up for his reception. Here the chief marshal
expressed very appropriately, the gratitude of himself
and his fellow citizens for the honour conferred on the

88 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
town by his presence, and assured the General, (who
expressed his particular thanks to the chief marshal for
his kind attentions, and his warmest and most respectful
gratitude to the people for the highly gratifying testimo
nials of affection they had shown him,) that the obliga
tion was entirely on the side of himself and his fellow
citizens. His Excellency also addressed the General, and assur
ing him of his high consideration for his character, and
the peculiar satisfaction he had enjoyed in the interview,
took his leave for the present, hoping to have the honor
of soon paying his respects to him again. The General,
with much feeling, reiterated his grateful acknowledge
ments to his excellency and to the citizens, and assured
him he should soon embrace another opportunity to visit
the town. — He also begged the Governor to convey his
most respectful thanks to all who had done him so
much honor. He then entered the carriage, accompa
nied by his excellency, ( !ol. BoAven, and Zachariah Allen,
Esq. ; and amid the cheers , of the populace, left the
town.* His Excellency Governor Eustis, having directed his
aids with carriages to be in readiness at the boundary of
the State of Massachusetts, to receive the General on
his arrival at Pawtueket, he was met by them at that
place about 6 of the clock, P. M. He had then nearly
forty miles to ride that night, in order to redeem his
pledge to be in the vicinity of Boston on Tuesday morn
ing. At 8 o'clock, he reached Fullers, where he was met
by a large battalion of troops, who saluted him. It was
approaching midnight before be reached Dedham ;
where the most conspicuous buildings were illuminated,
and a great number of ladies and citizens were introduced
to him. On passing Roxbury, after 1 o'clock, he was
accompanied by a numerous escort of citizens of the
county, and received a salute of artillery, with rockets,
* The General, on being asked if he was not fatigued ^witli his exertions,
promptly replied, that he experienced too much pleasure, to find any time for
fatigue.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTEi 89
and arrived at the residence of Governor Eustis about two
o'clock. The meeting of the General and the Governor
was extremely interesting. They embraced each other
for some minutes ; the Governor exclaiming, " / am the
happiest man that ever lived." — The General tljus re
deemed his pledge*

ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION OF LAFAYETTE
IN BOSTON, 1784.
It may interest the reader to transcribe the particu
lars of the reception of General Lafayette in Boston in
1784, before we proceed to give a detailed account of
his present visit. This was, on his second visit to the
United States ; and it will be perceived that the affec
tions af the people were not then less strong towards
him, than at the present time.* *
Boston, October 18, 1784.
On Friday last, arrived in this town, the Marquis de
Lafayette, Major General in the late American army,
At Watertown he was met by the officers of the ar
my, who had provided an elegant dinner on the occasion.
His Excellency the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor,
the Council, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of
the House, the Captain of the French frigate, the Consul
of France, and several other gentlemen of distinction,
were invited, but business of importance prevented the
Gbvernor and Council from attending* At this happy
meeting of the Marquis with his brother officers, an hon
est and affectionate joy was displayed, known only per
haps to those who,in common danger and sufferings, have
experienced the most exalted feelings of which human
nature is capable. Mirth and felicity pervaded the
whole company. After dinner, a number of patriotic
toasts Avere drank*
* Boston Magazine, 1784.
12

90 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
In the afternoon, the Marquis was escorted to Boston,-
by the officers, the consul, the captain of the frigate,-
and a numerous concourse of the most respectable citi
zens. At Roxbury, he" was received and saluted by the
artillery company, commanded by Major Spooner. His
entrance into town was announced by the ringing of bells,
and a salute from the Boston artillery, commanded by
Major Davis, who conducted him through the town into
State street, in the following order, viz.
Pioneers,
The Artillery company, bearing the standards of
America and France,
Drums and Fifes,
The band of music,
Chevalier Marquis Major Gen.
De Caraman, Fayette, Knox,
The officers of the late American army in grand
divisions,
A large number of respectable inhabitants in carriages,
Grand divisions of officers, &c.
On passing the Liberty Stump** three cheers were
given. At the Bunch of Grapes, the Marquis alighted,
arid, ascended the balcony, returned his thanks very po
litely to the gentlemen of every order for the attention
they had shewn him. The officers of the army took their
leave, and the whole concluded with three hearty
cheers from one of the most numerous and animated
assemblies we have ever seen.
The handsome appearance of the military, the ringing
of the bells, the crowded windows as he passed through
the town, and the joy visible in every countenance,
demonstrated the gratitude and pleasure, which the arri
val of this nobleman has excited through the people of
every class.
In the darkest moment of misfortune he espoused the
cause of America ; his military talents, the ardor of his
virtuous mind, and the nearest treasure of his heart have
* Neav Boylslon Market.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 91
been devoted to our cause ; and while gratitude is ac
counted a virtue, the name of Lafayette will be dear to
every American.
On Saturday the officers of the army waited on the
Marquis at his lodgings, and presented an address, and
were favored with an answer emphatically expressive of
the genuine nobility of Lafayette.
Oct. 21. Tuesday last, being the 19th of October, a
day ever memorable for the brilliant event which gave
to the allied arms a favorite British General, at the head
of 9000 chosen troops, and which secured peace, liberty
and safety to America, was fixed on as a proper time to
pay those honours to the. Marquis de la Fayette, which
his services, both in the field and cabinet, in times of
danger, have so justly entitled him to from this country.
On the 18th inst. the two branches of the legislature
passed an order, that the President of the Senate, and
Speaker of the House of Representatives, invite the
Marquis de la Fayette to meet the supreme executive
and the two houses of the legislature, in the senate room,
on Tuesday the 19th of October, (a day always to be
marked in the annals of America.)
The next day his excelleney the Governor, his honour
the Lieutenant Governor, and the honorable council, at
tended in the senate chamber, where the two houses of
the legislature were assembled. At the hour prefixed,
the Marquis, with his suite, was introduced by the
secretary of the commonwealth, when his excellency the
Governor, in behalf of the executive and legislative
branches of government, congratulated him in terms of
the highest respect and esteem. To which the Marquis
was pleased to make a polite and elegant reply. After
the congratulations were over, the Marquis, with his
excellency the Governor, withdrew.
But the Marquis is too much beloved at Boston, not
to meet with every testimonial of private as well as pub
lic affection and esteem. The merchants, and other gen
tlemen of the town, accordingly gave a dinner at Fan-
euil-Hall; at which were invited and present, the Mar?

92 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
quis and all the French gentlemen in town, the Govern
or, Lieutenant Governor and Council, the President of
the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and President of
the Bank, the Clergy of every denomination, the Select?
men, 75 Continental officers, and a number of strangers.
At 1 o'clock, the train of artillery, commanded by Major
Davis, joined by a company in similar uniform from Rox
bury, Commanded' by Major Spooner, paraded in State
street, and discharged 13 canhon, which were answered
by a like number at the castle, and by his most Christian
Majesty's frigate La Nymphe. In the mean while, the
gentlemen, invited to partake of the entertainment, col
lected at the Senate chamber? and at half past 2 o'clock,
upwards of three hundred persons went in procession
from the Senate chamber to Faneuil-Hall, under escort
of Major Davis' artillery, and under the discharge of the
cannon commanded by Major Spooner, which was plant
ed at the bottom of State Street, and facing the proces
sion, The elegance with which the tables were cover-:
ed, and the ornaments which beautifully decora*
ted the Hall, were peculiarly striking to every person
as he entered, and reflected the highest taste on the
managers. At the upper end of the hall were erected
thirteen arches, which gradually lessened from the cen
tre to the ends, and were adorned and interspersed with.
a great variety of flowers and verdure ; and on the arch
directly over the Marquis' head, was hung, a fleur-de-lis.
The company, while at dinner, were entertained Avith
a b ind of music. After dinner, the following 13 toast's,
were drank, viz :
1. The United States.
2. Our great Ally, his most Christian Majesty.
3. General Washington.
4. The commonwealth of Massachusetts.
5. Commerce, Agriculture, Arts and Sciences.
6. The memory of those patriots and heroes who fell
in the late contest.
7. May the United States of America never lose sight of
justice. 8. The Army and Navy of France,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 93
9. Perpetual harmony and happiness to the United
(States and their Allies.
10. The combiried forces who nobly fought in the
cause of America.
11. May the temple of Janus be shut forever.
12. The rights of mankind, and universal benevo
lence. 13. This memorable day— SARATOGA and YORK
TOWN. At every toast, thirteen cannon were discharged in
Market Square ; most of the toasts were accompanied
with a clapping of hands three times. When General
Washington was given, a curtain behind the Marquis
was instantly rent asunder, which discovered to the
company his Excellency's picture, crowned with a wreath
of flowers and laurels, and supported with the ensigns of
France and America. The Marquis rose from his seat,
and with a countenance mingled with pleasure and sur
prise, and a tear of friendship starting in his eye, at re
cognizing the features of his general (as he always styles
him) repeated the clap that had been given, which in
stantly communicated to the whole company, and in
voluntarily produced a roar of applause.
As a mark of the benevolent motiyes that actuated the
promoters of this day of festivity, it ought to he men
tioned, that all the wine and fragments of provision, of
every kind, which were left at the hall, were carefully
collected and sent tp the alms house and jail, that the
hearts, even of the miserable in confinement and distress,
might expand upon this joyous occasion.
Such Avas the reception of General Lafayette hy the
citizens of Boston in 1784. By comparing it with that
of 1824, it will be observed that the lapse of forty years
has not diminished our attachment; and that the de
scendants of the heroes of the revolution esteem it as one
, of their highest privileges, that they can" stand up and
do him honor." — And who, that has one spark of grati
tude alive in his bosom, could prevent its kindling into a
flame, and bursting forth with all the effulgence of grate-

94 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
ful admiration, on beholding the man who Avas a copatri*
ot with Washington, the political savior of our country ;
on beholding the hero, who was so instrumental in eman
cipating an oppressed nation from the fetters of servi*
tude and slavery. AH, all must respond the sentiments
of the juvenile hearts of Hartford —
'* Nous vous aimons Lafayette.1'*

ENTREE INTO BOSTON.
The annunciation of the arrival of General Lafayette
at the seat of His Excellency Governor Eustis, in Roxbu
ry, put every thing in activity in Boston ; and gave the
city council time for the, prompt execution of their ar
rangements for his hearty and cordial welcome.
A jiumerous cavalcade, under the direction of Lieut.
Col. Amory, was formed in Common Street,at nine of the
clock in the forenoon, and proceeded to the residence of
Governor Eustis, to escort the General to the city.
The city authorities, in carriages, preceded by the as
sistant city marshall,t proceeded from the City Hall, at
nine of the clock. At ten minutes before eleven, they
met the General at the border of Roxbury, where the
Mayor of the city, the Hon. Mr. Quiney, welcomed, him
by the following address, : —
" Sir, — The citizens, of Boston welcome you, on your re
turn ;to the United States ; mindful of your early zeal in the
cause of American independence, grateful for your distin
guished share in the perils and glories of its achievement,
When urged by a generous sympathy, you first landed
on ( thesp shores, you found a people engaged in an ardu
ous and eventful struggle for liberty, with apparently in
adequate; means, and amidst dubious omens. After. the
lapse of nearly half a century, you find the same people
prosperous beyond all hope, and all precedent ; their lib-
* Allusion i9 here made to *he poetical address of the children of Hartford,
Connecticut, to the General. They were decorated with ribbons, bearing the
inscription above quoted, " nous vous aimons Lafayette."
\ Capt. John Roulstoae.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 95
erty secure ; sitting in its strength ; without fear and
without reproach.
In your youth, you joined the standard of three mill
ions of people, raised in an unequal and uncertain conflict.
In your advanced age, you returh, and are met by ten
millions of people, their descendants, whose hearts throng
hither to greet your approach, and to rejoice in it.
This is not the movement of a turbulent populace,
excited by the fresh laurels of _ome recent conqueror.
It is a grave, moral, intellectual impulse.
A whole people, in the enjoyment of freedom, as per
fect as the condition of our nature permits, recur with
gratitude, increasing with the daily increasing sense of
their blessings, to the memory of those, who, by their la
bors, and in their blood, laid the foundation of our liber
ties. Your name, Sir, — the name of Lafayette, is associa
ted with the most perilous, and most glorious periods of
our Revolution : with the imperishable names of Wash
ington, '-and of that numerous host of heroes which adorn
the proudest archives of American history, and are en
graven in indelible traces on the hearts of the whole
American people.
Accept then, Sir, in the sincere spirit in which it is of
fered, this simple tribute to your virtues.
Again, Sir, the citizens of Boston bid you welcome to
the cradle of American independence, and to scenes
consecrated with the blood shed by the earliest martyrs
in its cause." Answer of General Lafayette.
" To the Mayor and People of Boston —
The emotions of love and gratitude which T have
been accustomed to feel on my entering this city, have
ever mingled with a sense of religious reverence for the
cradle of American, and, let us hope, it Avill be hereafter
said, of universal liberty.
What must be, Sir, my feelings at the blessed moment,
when, after so long an absence, I find myself again sur
rounded by the good citizens, of Boston ; where I am so

96 TOUR Of LAFAYETTE.
affectionately, so honorably welcomed, not only by my
old friends, but by severals uccessive generations. Where
I can witness the prosperity, the immense improvements,
that have been the just reward of a noble struggle, virtu
ous morals, and truly republican institutions.
I beg of you Mr. Mayor, gentlemen of the City Couia*
cil, and all of you, beloved citizens of Boston, to accept
the respectful "and warm thanks of a heart, which has
for nearly half a .century, been particularly devoted to
your illustrious city."
The procession was then formed. The following is
.an outline of the order :
Three Marshals.
A corps of Light Dragoons, commanded by Capt. Isaac
Davis.
A regiment of Ljght Infantry, composed of the Boston!
Fusiliers, Boston Light Infantry, Winslow Blues,
Washington Infantry, New England Guards,
Rangers and City Guards, commanded by
Captain John S, Tyler, acting as
Colonel ; Capt. John R. Brad*
ford, as Lieut. Colonel ;
and Captain Joseph
N. Howe, Jun.
as Major.
A full band of music, consisting of thirty two performers*
Chief Marshal Harris.
Marshal Brooks. Marshal Sargent.
Members of the City Council in carriages.
Committee of Arrangements in carriages, viz : —
Alderman Odiorne, Benjamin, and Eddy,
Messrs. Russell, Curtis, E. Williams, T.
Page, Washburn, Davis, and Coolidge.
The President of the Common Council, and AlderroaU
Baxter, in a barouche.
Marshal Roulstone.
f GEN. LAFAYETTE,
Marshal. \ In.a bar^che drawn by four
| 'beautilul white horses, ac-
(^ companied by theMayor.

Marshal

TOUR OF LAFAYETTEi 97
C Mr. G. W. Lafayette, M. i
Marshal. 1 Le Vasseur, and Colonel > Marshal.
( Colden, of New York. )
Society of Cincinnati,
In ten carriages, one containing the Hon. John Brooks,
President of the Society,
and ether officers.
Strangers of distinction in carriages;
Two Marshals.
Field and staff officers of the first division of Militia.
Two Marshals.
The mounted Cavalcade, composed of the carter.,
Woodwharfingers, and citizens;,
Two Marshals.
In this order the procession entered the city, and pro
ceeded through Washington, Milk, Broad, State, Court,
and Common streets, to Boylston street.
An arch was thrown across Washington street, above
South Boston bridge, near the spot wheres when Lafay
ette left the toAvnin 1787, were the remains of a breast
work erected during the Revolutionary war. At each
side of the arch was planted a tree of oak, and another
of pine, about twenty feet in height, and the pillars were
tastefully wreathed with evergreens and flowers. The
arch itself was decorated with American flags and ever
greens, and from its centre, a scroll was suspended, bear
ing the following inscription : — ¦
WELCOME LAFAYETE.
The Fathers in Glory shall sleep,
That gather'd with thee to the fight,
But the sons will eternally keep
The tablet of gratitude bright.
We bow not the neck,
And we bend not the knee,
But our hearts, Lafayette,
We surrender to thee.
Another arch Avas erected across Washington street,
by the Boylston Market, on the spot once shaded" by the
" Liberty Tree," which was elegantly decorated with
oaken garlands, so arranged as to form a beautiful bor
der on each side of the arch. The space not covered
13

98

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

with these leaves of oak, was about two feet broad, and
contained the motto, "Washington and Lafayette" in
large capitals, extending from one end of the arch
to the other. Underneath was the motto, " a Republic
not ungrateful."
At several places lines were extended across the
street, decorated with flags and forming handsome fes
toons. The General and the City authorities passed through
the Common, on which were placed, extending the whole
length of it, in two lines, the pupils of the Public Schools,
the misses principally dressed in white, and the lads in
blue coats and white underclothes, each bearing a por
trait of Fayette on their breasts, stamped on ribbons^—
They exceeded twenty five hundred in number. On
passing the line, a beautiful little girl about six years old,
stepped forth, and begged leave to address the General.
She was handed to the Mayor, and by him to the Gen
eral, Avho saluted her. She then delivered a short ad
dress, took a wreath of flowers from her head, and put
it on his own. The General made her a very affection
ate reply, and placed the wreath in his carriage.
The following are the lines presented, entwined in a
wreath of flowers.
An infant hand presents these blushing flowers,
Glowing and pure as childhood's artless hours,
When roses bloom and buds of promise smile,
Repaying with their charms the culturer's toil.
Oh ! take them, father, they were cull'd for you ;
(Still bright with warm affection's sacred dew ;)
Oh ! let them live in thy benignant smile,
And o'er thy bro-a of glory bloom awhile,
'Twin'd with a laurel fame on thee bestow'd,
When thy young heart with patriot ardor glow'd.
Self-exiled from the charms of wealth and love.
And home and friends, thou didst our champion prove.
And, by the side of glorious WASHINGTON,
Didst make our grateful country ali thine own.
, Go, fragile offering, speak the ardent joy
Our bosoms feel, which time can ne'er destroy !
All the streets, through which the procession passed,
were tastefully dressed with the national flags of the

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 9£
United States and France. On one of the flags in Broad
street, was the following : —
AVELCOME ILLUSTRIOUS CHIEF.
Receive the pledges of thy children, to sustain with
fidelity the principles that first associated LAFAY
ETTE with the destinies of America.
NATURAL RJGHTS.
YORKTOWN and MONMOUTH.
On his arrival at the head of the mall, the military
formed a line in Park street, and stood Avith presented
arms, while the General passed in review before them
to the front gate of the State house, where he alighted,
and was conducted to the Senate chamber. Here he
was received by his Excellency the Governor and the
Executive council, as the guest of the corammonwealth.
The Governor then communicated to him the felicitations
and welcome of the state, in the following address : — r
Sir, our Friend, — In the name of the government,
and in behalf of the citizens of Massachusetts, I have
the honour to greet you with a cordial, an affectionate
welcome. We thank God that he has been pleased to preserve
you through the scenes of peril and of suffering, which
have distinguished your patriotic and eventful life, and
that we arp indulged with this occasion of renewing to
you, our grateful acknowledgments for the important
services Avhich you have rendered to our common coun
try In the last surviving Major General of the American
Revolutionary army,we recognize a benefactor and friend
from a distant and gallant nation ; who, inspired by a
love of liberty, subjected himself in his youth to the toils
and hazards of a military life, in support of our rights.
Under our illustrious Washington, you were instrumental
in establishing the liberties of our country, while your
gallantry in the field secured to yourself an imperishable
renown.

100 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
With the enjoyment of the blessings of independency
we shall never cease to associate the name of Lafayettej
and our prayer to heaven will be for his health and pros
perity. General Lafayette's Reply.
" Sir,, — When, in the name of the people and govern,
ment of thisr state, your excellency is pleased so kindly
to welcome an American veteran, I am proud to sharp
the honors and enjoyments of such a reception, with my
revolutionary companions and brother soldiers. — Sir, I
am delighted with what I see ; I am oppressed with
what I feel ; but I depend upon you as an old friend, to
do justice tp my sentiments."
Having been introduced to the members of the city
government, he was conducted, hy the Mayor and com
mittee of arrangements, to the residence prepared for
him at the corner of Beacon and Park streets.
It would be impossible to convey any correct idea of
the splendor and excitement connected with these trans
actions. The General rode uncovered, bowing to the en
raptured throngs, who, at short intervals, greeted him
with loud and joyous acclamations. The ladies, thous
ands of whom appeared to witness thp scene, waved
their white handkerchiefs, as he passed, in token of
pleasure and approbation. The windows of the new
stone buildings at the head of State street, the windows
and terraces of Collonade row, and of the houses north
pfSt. Paul's Church, exhibited assemblages of beauty,
taste, and fashion, fully equal to any specimens that oth
er occasions have produced.
The City council, with their honored guest, the Mayo.,
and a deputation from the City council of New York,
Hon. Messrs. Webster and Lloyd, Governor Eustis,
Hon. J, Brooks, and a number of others, dined together
at the Exchange Coffee Horise. Among other toasts were
the following : —
By General Lafavette. — The City of Boston, the
cradle of liberty. — May Faneuil Hall ever stand a monu
ment to teach the world, that resistance to oppression is

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE, 101
a duty, and will, under true republican institutions, be?
come a blessing.
By Gov. Brooks. — The present joyous occasion, and
its interesting associations with the American Revolution,
In the evening, the General visited Mrs. Scott, relict
of the deceased Governor Hancock, whose hospitality
and esteem, the General had often experienced in " the
times which tried men's souls." The interview must
have been peculiarly interesting.
On Wednesday, the General attended commencement
at Harvard University. He left Boston, in company
with the supreme executive, (escorted by a company of
dragoons,) the committee of arrangements, the deputation
from New York, and other distinguished citizens, in
carriages. The streets and road to Cambridge, were
appropriately dressed on the occasion. On his arriva}
he was conducted to the public room, where were as
sembled the literati of this and other states, the board of
overseers of the University, the Ex-Governors of New
Hampshire and Massachusetts, and many of the distin^
guished citizens, whose names have been frequently an-.
nounced, and who renewed their congratulations. The
usual procession to the meeting house took place, the
General walking with the Governor.) It is hardly neces
sary to repeat, that on his landing at the colleges, hi» ar
rival near the meeting house, and his entrance therein, he
was greeted with ardent and enthusiastic acclamations.
The galleries, and most of the seats of the house, were
literally filled Avith beauty and fashion, and, on his en
trance, tfie ladies rose, and, while others cheered, waved
their handkerchiefs, in token of their gensibility. These
proceedings necessarily delayed the exercises, which
were not finished till nearly five o'clock-
As Lafayette passed the house of the late John Han
cock, the Mayor said to him, " there sits the widow of
your deceased friend." He immediately caught her
eye, and, in the most enthusiastic manner, pressed his
hand upon his heart. She burst info tears, and exclaim
ed, ' / have now lived long eyiough.'*

302 TOUR OF LAFAYETTAE.
As an instance of the kind feelings which prevailed ois
Tuesday last, it may not be unworthy of remark, that
the deputy sheriffs shut their offices, and participated in
the hilarity of the occasion. One of them placed upon
his door the following distich : — ,
" Arrests in civil suits, postponM— fo-rfay ;
Sacred to freedom, and to freedom's friend."
The following is the address of President Kirkland, on
meeting the General in Cambridge : —
" We bid you welcome, General Lafayette, to the
most ancient of the seminaries of our land. The over
seers and fellows of the University, the professors and
other officers, the candidates for the academic honors of
this day, and the students, tender you their respectful;
their affectionate salutations. We greet you with pecu
liar pleasure, at this literary festival, gratified that you
regard the occasion with interest, and espouse the at
tachment, which, as members of a republic, we cannot
fail to cherish to the cause of learning and education.
As a man sustaining his part through various scenes,
prosperous and adverse, of an eventful life, your charac
ter and course, marked by moral dignity, have challeng
ed particular respect and sympathy. As the patron,
the champien and benefactor of America, you have a
relation to us, by which we call you our own, and join
gratitude and affection to exalt esteem. The early
and costly pledges you gave of devotion to the principles
and spirit of our institutions, your adoption of our peril
ous and uncertain contest for national existence, your
friendship in the hour of our greatest need, have associ
ated your name in the minds and hearts of Americans,
with the dearest and most affecting recollections. Tho
fathers teach their children, the instructors their pu
pils, to hold you in love and honor : and the history of
these states takes charge of your claims to the| grateful
remembrance of all future generations.
It is a pleasing reflection attending the progress of
these communities, that it justifies our friends and supr
porters ; and that the predilections and hopes in our
favor, which you indulged in the ardor of youth, have
been followed by good auspices till your advanced age. —

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 103>
We are, indeed, happy in presenting you the fruit of your
toils and dangers, in the kindly operation of the causes,
which you did so much to call into action, and we rejoice
in every demonstration we are able to give, that your
care for us has not been vain. Knowing how you feel

o

you

yourself to have a property in our welfare, and sensible
of the enjoyment accruing to your generous spirit from
our prosperity, we find in these considerations new mo
tives to maintain liberty with ardor ; and in the exercise
of our functions feel bound to endeavour to send out from
our care, enlightened and virtuous men, employing their
influence to secure to their country the advantages, and
prevent and remedy the evils attending the wide diffu
sion among a people of political power.
Accept our wishes and prayers for your health and
happiness. May the Invisible Hand, Avhich has been
your safeguard thus far, continue its protecting care. —
May the Supreme Disposer, the Witness and Judge of
character and conduct, having appointed you a long and
tranquil evening of days, receive you to the final and
glorious reward of the faithful in a perfect state.
To this address the General made, in substance, the
following reply, which he concluded with a Latin quota
tion, not distinctly understood.
It is with real pleasure, sir, that I find myself again at
this University, which I visited for the first time more
than forty years ago. The great improvements which
have been made here during the interval, are striking
evidences of the tendency of liberal political institutions,
to promote the progress of civilization and learning. 1
beg you to accept my warmest thanks for your kind ex
pression of personal civility to myself, and my best wish
es for the continued prosperity of the valuable establish
ment over which you preside.
A procession was then formed and moved in regular
order to the meeting house. The general was accom
panied by the arm of the Governor and on his en*
trance into the meeting house, the applause was loud
and enthusiastic, and during the whole of the exercises,
whenever anv allusion Avas made to him or his historvj

104 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
the deepest feeling was evinced. At a late hour the ex
ercises finished, when he repaired to Commons hall, and
partook of the dinner provided for the occasion;
In the evening, the General returned to his residence
in Boston, amid the plaudits of the citizens who sur
rounded him on his return;
Address of Judge Fay to Gen. Lafayette, in behalf of
the citizens of Cambridge, on the 25th ult.
General Lafayette. — -The citizens of Cambridge pre
sent themselves before you, to greetyour arrival in their
country with an affectionate welcome, and to offer the
simple homage of grateful hearts to the early and con
stant friend of American liberty-^-the steady and uni
form asserter of the rights of man. They desire to make
known to you the profound sentiments of gratitude and
admiration, with Avhich their bosoms are inspired by the
recollection of the generous and distinguished services
rendered by you to the United States in their struggle for
national existence. In that struggle, you made a volunta
ry offering of your life and fortune on the altar of civil
liberty ! In so doing, you sought no rewards but in the
conscious magnanimity of the act and in the lasting grati
tude of a whole people. Those rewards you have, Shv
and long, long may you enjoy them.
Permit us to re mind you, Sir, that on this spot was as
sembled the first army of our revolution ; that here,
Washington first assumed the command of that army,
and entered upon the momentous contest, which termina*
ted in our national independence — that independence,
which your own disinterested and noble efforts contribu
ted so essentially to achieve.
To you, General, the friend and companion in arms of
our beloved Washington- — the benefactor of ouf country ;
the soldier of liberty — to you the citizens of Cambridge
again tender their heartfelt welcomes, ahd pray you to
accept their fervent wishes, that all of your future days
may be full of happiness and honors.
To which the General made an affectionate reply.

tour of Lafayette. 105
The following is the address to General Lafayette,
by the Massachusetts Society of Cincinnati.
<Si>, — The Society of Cincinnati, of the state of Massa
chusetts, seize the earliest moment after your arrival in
this city, of extending to you the hand of friendship and
affection. We offer you our most cordial congratulations on your
safe arrival again after the lapse of forty years on the
shores of our favored country, once the theatre of our
united toils, privations and Combats with a poAverful foe$
but now the peaceful domain of a great, a free and
independent people.
We hail you, Sir, in unison with the millions of our
fellow citizens, most respectfully hail you as a statesman,
as a philanthropist, and as the early, inflexible, and de
voted friend, not only of our beloved country, but of the
sacred principles of civil liberty and human rights.
But Ave greet you under more tender and hallowed
associations, in the endearing relation of a brother sol
dier, who, in the ardor of youth, commenced in the
field with us your career of glory in the holy cause of
liberty and American independence.
But here recollections crowd upon our minds too pow
erful for utterance. Words would but mock the deep
emotions of our hearts, should we attempt to express
them, in contemplating the character, attributes, and
services of the parental chief under whose auspices we
trod together the field of honor.
To the profound veneration and love for his memory
that penetrates your bosom, Ave refer you as to a trans
cript of our own.
It would be vain to imagine the joy that would swell
the great mind of Washington, were he still hving, to
recognize, with our nation, the generous disinterested
ness, the glowing ardour, the personal sacrifices, and the
gallant achievements of his much loved Fayette.
But it is equally vain to endeavor, on this occasion, to
exclude such interesting reflections from the mind, or
to deny it the melancholy pleasure of lingering on the
14:

106 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
solemn reality, that not a single individual, of the general
staff of the army of the American revolution, now s'ur^
vives to participate in the joy that your presence in the
United States has awakened.
To us, it is peculiarly grateful, that you are permitted,
after the lapse of so long a period, to witness the con
summation of the principles of our revolution.
You Avill perceive, Sir, that the hopes and predictions
of the wise and good men who were your particular asso
ciates in the arduous struggle, have been fulfilled and
surpassed. You will behold a great people, united in their princi
ples of jurisprudence, connected together by the strong
ties of mutual interests, and happy under the fostering
influence of a free and energetic government. -
You will therefore, allow us to reiterate our felicita
tions on your safe arrival among us, and to welcome you
once more to the good land which youthful valor con
tributed to elevate and distinguish.
May your future life be as tranquil and happy, as your
past has been useful, uniform, and glorious !"
To this address, the General made the following reply :
" Amidst the inexpressible enjoyments which press
upon my heart, I could not but feel particularly eager
and happy to meet my beloved brothers in arms. Many,
many, I call in vain, and, at the head of them, our match
less paternal chief, whose love to an adopted son, I am
proud to say, you have long witnessed. But, while Ave
mourn together, for those we have lost, while I find a
consolation in the sight of their relations and friends, it is
to me a delightful gratification, to recognize my surviv
ing companions of our revolutionary army, that army so
brave, so virtuous, so united by mutual confidence and
affection. That we have been the faithful soldiers of
independence, freedom, arid equality, those three essen
tial requisites of national and personal dignity and hap
piness ; that we have lived to see those sacred princi
ples secured to this vast republic, and cherished else
where by all generous minds, shall be the pride of our

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 107
-life, the boast of our children, the comfort of our last
moments. Receive, my dear brother soldiers, the
grateful thanks, and constant love, of your old compan
ion and friend."
On Thursday, the General was waited on by deputa
tions from Newport, Brown University, (inviting him to
attend commencement), Lynn, &c. by the government of
the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, (to
invite him to a public collation) ; and by others. He
afterwards repaired to the doric hall of the State house,
where nearly tAvo thousand citizens, of all professions.,
ages, and conditions, were presented to him, with each
of whom he affectionately shook hands. Several ladies
of distinction were among the number. Several of the
humble, but interesting heroes of the Revolution, took
this occasion to welcome their good old General. Nu
merous incidents in this scene brought tears from many
manly eyes.^-One decrepid veteran, on crutches, was
recognized by the General as a companion in arms at the
memorable onset at Yorktown. Others were recalled to
recollection, by events at Monmouth, at Brandywine,
West Point, Saratoga, and other places. Others, as be
longing to the light army, which " the Marquis" com
manded in 1780, 81, &c. The hands of all these he
seized with the most affectionate cordiality, frequently
repeating, " O ! my brave light infantry /" -" My gallant
soldiers /" " Excellent troops," &c. One inquired, " Is
my old colonel, Gimat, alive ?" " Alas, no," replied the
General. Another,* introduced himself, as one of the
only two survivors of the 2d regiment, of light dragoons,
of the army ; when the General remarked, that he was
happy in seeing so respectable a relict of that fine corps
alive. Numerous other incidents of the kind occurred.
The pen of a Sterne alone could do justice to their
merit. Several of the veterans, who kissed the hands of
their General, were so absorbed by their feelings, that
their tongues refused their offices ; and as they passed
*. Capt. H. P.urkett.

108 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
silently on, the big round tear stood trembling in eyes
which never winked amidst the rage and carnage of the
battle ground.
We cannot omit one other incident, evincive of the
genuine republicanism of our distinguished guest. — At a
humble distance, and alone, an old and venerable black
man, (named John Harrison?) approached the General,
bowed, and expressed his wish to embrace the hand of
the friend of human kind ; and whom he had the honor,
he said, to wait upon, when he resided at the house of
Mr. Breck, in Boston. The General instantly accepted
his hand ; and to the pious aspiration of the descendant
of Africa, " that God. would long continue him, happy in
this world, and bless him in a world to come" returned
thanks for his kind wishes. This incident occasioned
yery rapturous plaudits from all the numerous spectators of
it. The venerable John Kneeland, Esq. of Andover, in
presenting his hand, offered up ascriptions of praise to
Heaven, for the preservation of a life so dear to the
friends of liberty in both hemispheres.
At noon, General Lafayette left again for Cam'!
bridge, to attend the exercises of the Phi Beta Kappa
Society ; where he again received renewed tokens of
respect and attention. He appeared much pleased ;
and spoke in high terms of the exercises, which were an
address to " Liberty," by the Rev. Henry Ware, and an
oration " on the mptives to intellectual exertion in this
country," by the Rev. Professor Everett.
On Friday, the General visited Charlest6wn, accom-
})anied by Gov. Eustis, the late Gov. Brooks, the revo-
utionary worthies of the New York deputation, and the
Mayor and committee of arrangements. They passed,
in carraiges, through Hanover, and Lynn streets, over
Charles River bridge to Charlestown. The north part
of the city was appropriately dressed with colors, and
adorned by civic arches.
A cavalcade of citizens took up the escort of the pro*
cession at the mill bridge, and conducted it, to the line
betAveen Suffolk and Middlesex, Here the General was

tour of Lafayette. 109
i
met by Col. Jaques, chief marshal, and his aids, who con
ducted him to the Committee of arrangements of the
citizens of Charlestown, on the square, where a proces
sion was formed in the following order :
TWO MARSHALS.
A regiment of light infantry composed of a battalion
from Charlestown and another battalion composed
of companies from Cambridge, W. Cambridge,
and Waltham, and a battalion of artillery,
the whole commanded by Col. Gay,
of the first regiment.
Musick.
A marshal.
Committee of arrangement in carriages.
Chief marshal.
C General LAFAYETTE, i
Marshal. 1 and £ Marshal
^ the General's family. }
Governor Eustis and suite.
Maj. Gen. Dearborn.
Governor Brooks, and the executive council of the state..
Chief Justice Parker, and other state officers.
The Mayor and committee of arrangements of the city
of Boston.
Deputations from New York, Newport and other
cities.
Officers of the Army and Navy.
Brigadier General Dearborn, Adjutant General Sum
ner, and officers of the militia.
Strangers of eminence.
Town officers.
The north Boston cavalcade.
Citizens.
This procession moved through Salem and High
streets, to the monument of Warren, on Breed's (com
monly called Bunker's) hill, where thp whole alighted,
and the military formed in line. Assembled around the

1,10 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
monument, Dr. A. R. Thompson, of the committee of.
arrangements, delivered tho following address : —
Sir, — In behalf of the inhabitants of Charlestown,
the committee of arrangements present their respectful
salutations to Gen. Lafayette, and bid him a cordial wel
come to this town. This joyful occasion revives high
national feelings and recollections, and touches the springs
of gratitude, by reminding us of that interesting period
of our history, which gave to our country a gallant Hero,
and to the rights of mankind, a steadfast champion. — -
While Ave participate in the thrill of delight which every
wherp hails the visit of our illustrious friend, we cannot
suppress the peculiar emotion of our hearts on receiving
you, Sir, on the memorable heights of Bunker. On this
holy ground, immortalized by the dead, and sacred to the
manes of revolutionary heroes : — -over these heights, lib
erty once moved in blood and tears ; her chariot on
Avheels of fire. Now she comes in her car of peace and
glory ; draAvn by the affections of a happy people, to
crown on these same heights, with civic honors, a favor
ite Son, whose early strength was given to her sacred
struggles, and whose riper years are now permitted to
beheld the splendor of her triumphs. In the fulness of our
bearts we give thanks to Almighty God, who has guided
. and guarded your high career of peril and renown.
Permit us, beloved General, again to welcome you to
our borders ; to express our ardent hopes, that your val
uable life may be prolonged to the utmost limits of earth
ly happiness ; that the land which has been enriched
with the dew of your youth, may be honored as the asy
lum of your old age ; that the country which now blends
your fame with the mild lustre of Washington, may hence
forth hail you as a citizen of Washington's country ; and
that, during the residue of your years, you may live
amidst the attentions, as you will forever live in the
hearts of a grateful and admiring people.
To this address, Lafayette immediately returned the
-following reply.
"With profound reverence, Sir, I tread this holy

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. Ill
'.ground, where the blood of American patriots ; the
blood of Warren and his companions, early and
gloriously spilled — aroused the energy of three mil
lions, and secured the happiness of ten millions, and
of many other millions of men in times to come. That
blood has called both American continents to republican
independence, and has awakened the nations of Europe
to a sense, and, in future, I trust, to the practice, of their
rights. Such have been the effects of a resistance to op
pression, which was, by many pretended wise men of
the times, called rashness ; Avhile it Avas duty, virtue ;
and has been a signal for the emancipation of mankind.
I beg you, Sir, and the Magistrates and the citizens of
Charlestown, to except the homage of gratitude for your
kind welcome, and of those sentiments of affection and
respect, which, for so many years I have cherished to
ward their town."
This reply was responded by reiterated huzzas, and
salutes from the artillery.
The General then passed the two battalions in review,
with Gov. Eustis and Major Generals Brooks and Dear
born, and received their marching salutes. All the troops
were decora ted with the Lafayette badges. After the
review, Gov. Brooks, President of the Bunker Hill mon
ument association, introduced a deputation of the board
of Directors to the General. On being informed that it
was intended to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary* of
Bunker hill battle in a manner worthy of the great event,
the General was pleased to say, that if he should be in
the United States, it would be his earnest desire to be
present, and to manifest the sentiments which he should
feel on that interesting occasion. The design of the in
stitution having been previously explained to him, the
General desired to be numbered among the subscribers ;
and at the request of the corporation his name stands at
the head of the subscription list. The General, and
the part of the procession in carriages, then proceeded to
Bunker's hill, where after salutations and introductions.
*ln June 1825.

112 TOUR OP LAFAYETTE^
the Avhole partook of a sumptuous repast, provided un*
der a marquee pitched on one of the highest pqints of the
hill. The streets of Charlestown Avere very elegantly dress
ed with banners, and crossed Avith civic arches — one
bore wreaths of laurel dressed with flowers, — and an
other, an inscription : — " Welcome — To our Hearts, and
our Homes." On the Main street was a beautiful dis
play of the misses and youths of the several schools. —
The bells rung meriy peals ; frequent salutes were fired ;
and the ladies filled the windows of the houses, and join
ed in the welcome of their country's friend.
VISIT TO THE NAVY YARD.
The General with the procession from Boston, joined
by the Charlestown committee of arrangements, then
proceeded to the United States Navy-yard, where the
whole alighted, and the General was received by Com
modore Bainbridge.
A fine body of Marines, under Major Wainwright, sa
luted him on his entrance ; followed by a national salute
from the water battery of the yard. The General after
being introduced to the officers of the station, conducted
by the Commodore, visited the Avare houses, lofts, ship-
houses, ships in ordinary, and appendages of this splen
did and spacious establishment. He appeared much grat
ified with their excellent order and neatness. He was
then taken in a barge, on board the Columbus ship of the
line, (folloAved by the company in other barges) and vVas
received by another national salute from her loAver deck
guns- This superb map of war was fully dressed in the
flags of all the maritime nations, and made a delightful
appearance. Her roof was manned by seamen, as Avas
the entire roof of the extensive ship-house of the new
man of war on the stocks. The flags of the United
States were displayed from various staffs ; and at the
entrance of the yard were three arches formed of co
lours and evergreens, bearing these inscriptions. — " Octo
ber 19th, 1781." — "WASHIAGTOA" "LAFAY
ETTE," Tbe vessels in the vicinity also displayed their

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. llS
Colours. The General then proceeded to the Common
dore's residence, was again saluted on leaving the yard^
and there introduced to the ladies of the Commodore
and other officers, and partook, Avith the company, of a
sumptuous collation. He afterwards visited Major
Wainwright's quarters. Wherever he appeared he was
received with cheers and salutatiPhs.
On his return to Boston, he paid a visit to Faneuil-hall.
On entering he said, " This is indeed the cradle of Ameri
can independence." He afterwards visited the excellent
armories over the hall.
He then took carriage for South Boston, accompanied
by Gov. Eustis, Gov. Brooks, the Mayor, and others ;
stopping to view the spot near Boylston Market, where
once grew " Liberty Tree," so famous in our annals from
1760 to 1776; After passing South Boston, he visited
the New-England guards, who were on camp duty at Savin
Hill, in Dorchester, and witnessed their skill at target
firing ; from whence he proceeded to the residence of
Gov. Eustis to dine.
In the target firing, General Lafayette, and the Gov
ernor honored the company, by firing each a gun with his
own hand: The General's shot was a very successful
one, and struck the target a little above the centre. The
members of the company and many of the guests were in
troduced to General Lafayette in the marquee, whefe a
Collation of fruit and wine was prepared for the guests.
On Saturday, numerous deputations, and revolutionary
characters, called on the General at his quarters. One
of the latter exhibited the firearm, by a discharge of
Which the first British regular, killed in the war of the
revolution, was shot at Concord bridge, on the memora
ble 19th April, 1775. The event is recorded in the an
nals of that day. Satisfactory evidence was given, that
the ball which did the first execution on the British ad
vance guardj was fired from this gun. The General ap
peared much pleased at seeing this relic, and suggested
the expediency of perpetuating its identity, by inserting
a plate on the stock, Avith an inscription, containing the
15

J 14 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
particulars of the event. It belonged to Capt. Buttrick,*
and was presented by one of his descendants, who prom
ised to execute the suggestion of the General ; and re^
marked, that the gun should be transmitted to the latest
posterity of the original owner.
The General then repaired to the State house, and re
ceived the felicitations of the citizens of both sexes, who
during two hours, presented themselvesin continued suc
cession. One of the revolutionary worthies, holding in
his hand a number of old continental bills, thus address
ed the Guest :< — "Here, General, are some of our old
Friends, who helped us to carry on the war." Among the
presentations was an interesting Greek youth, from Scio,.
named Pandies Rali^ whose father was one of the first
martyrs in the present eventful struggle of the Greek
patriots, being one ofthe hostages executed at Constan
tinople. This lad, with his mother and family, fled from
the sack of Scio, and he is now receiving an education un
der the care of our foreign missionary society. He was
noticed with much affection by the General.
In the afternoon of Saturday, he visited Medford ac
companied by the Mayor.
It was at a very late hour, that the citizens of Med
ford ascertained that the town would be honored with
his presence ; but their preparations to welcome him
Avere appropriate and elegant. The houses to the west
ward of the Governor's residence, and the meeting house,
were filled with ladies, — the scholars were formed in
line on the street, filled with citizens, the bell pung a
peal, a salute of artillery was fired, and several arches
were thrown across the road, decorated with Avreaths of
flowers and flags. One of the arches bore this inscription.
" WELCOME
TO OUR HILLS AND BROOKS."
Under this arch the selectmen of the town, were as
sembled :— -when Turell Tufts, Esq. their chairman, de
livered to him the following address :

TUUtt OF LAFAYETTE. 115
General Lafayette. — The selectmen of Medford, as the
representatives of the town, deem it a grateful and hon
orable part of their duty to bid you welcome.
They are proud, Sir, that Medford is the birth place of
one of your companions in arms. A man, who, by his
bravery in the field, his patriotism and civic virtues, con
tributed to acquire as much glory to our country, as hon
or to himself.
We rejoice, Sir, that you both live to meet again, and
to enjoy together the consolations fairly derived from
your virtuous and heroic deeds.
The minds of our countrymen traced your course with
anxious solicitude, through the French revolution, from
your first success in the cause of liberty, until the spirit of
oppression confined you to a dungeon ; and their hearts
were gladdened, when, by the influence of our great and
good Washington, their friend was at last set free. In
the rich harvest you are now gathering of the express
ions of esteem and gratitude of this numerous people,
Avhose freedom and happiness your exertions so essential
ly contributed to establish, we hope you will find some
compensation for all your trials, sacrifices and suffering-^-
and we feel much complacencythat, in this respect, you
have gained so complete a triumph over the monarphs of
the world.
Again, Sir, Ave bid you a most cordial welcome ! and
hope the testimonials of approbation, you are receiving
from every heart and every tongue, Avill forever remain
an instructive lesson to mankind, that patriots Avho en?
dure faithfully to the end, shall not lose their reward.
The folloAving is the substance of the General's reply.
Sir — I am most happy, in visiting the toAvn of my old
brother soldier and friend, General Brooks, to be receiv
ed with so kind a welcome. You speak of some com
pensation ! compensation, Sir, — the smallest part of the
delight which I have experienced, would more than re
pay me for all sufferings, past, or to come.
I beg you to accept my jjrateful acknoAvledgments for
this cheering welcome.

116 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
This Welcome was repeated by the acclamations of the
assembled citizens, and renewed on his landing at
the Governor's residence. The civic arches and decon-
ations were honorable to the zeal and good feelings of
the citizens, and to the taste of the ladies of Medford,
Avho took a lively interest in this spontaneous tribute of*
gratitude. On Sunday he attended public worship at the meet
ing-house in Brattle square. A discourse appropriate
to the occasion was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Palfrey*
He dined Avith the ex-president, Adams, at Quiney. On
his way he was greeted by the citizeps of Dorchester,
Milton and Quiney, and on his return, visited Dr, Hol
brook at Milton,
On Monday, he attended the grand military
parade, which took, place on the Boston common,
agreeably to the order issued by the commander in
chief. — It is believed this was the most brilliant military
spectacle ever exhibited in Boston. About 6,500 soldiers.
were under arms.
General Lafayette, and the other guests invited, by
the commander in chief, were escorted from the state
house to the place of review on the common, at 12
o'clock, by the independent cadets, under Lt. Col. T. C.
Amory. On approaching the lines, Geneial Lafayette
received the guard honors due to the highest military
rank, and was there received by Major General Crane,
commanding the division, and by him conducted to the
governor's marquee. He was welcomed by the unani
mous shouts and acclamations of the whole body of
troops, at ordered arms. At 1 o'clock, he advanced on
foot to the front of General Appleton's brigade, and re
ceived its standing salute, ahd immediately aftenvards
the salute of General Lyman's brigade. The whole di
vision then paid the marching salute.
?Several of the Boston clergymen delivered discourses appropriate to the
occasion. The text of the Rev. Mr. Pierpont, was Prov. xxvn. IQth. "Thin<5
cm friend and thy father's friend forsake not." ' *

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 117
At two o'clock, the commander in chief, with invited
guests, to the number of about one thousand, among
whom were the officers of General Appleton's brigade,
assembled at the marquee, near the old fort, west of the
great tree, and sat down to a collation. This was the
largest number that were ever seated at a single dinner
table, in this city.*
After the collation, General Appleton manceuvred his
brigade for an hour, and the Boston brigade was then
manceuvred by General Lyman.
The day was unusually fine, and no accident occurred,
to cast a gloom over its festivity. General Lafayette
expressed himself in terms of unqualified admiration at
the excellence of our militia, The common presented
the appearance of an encampment. Besides the mar
quee erected for the commander in chief", and his guests,
there were, perhaps, over two hundred tents for the ac-;
commodation of the troops.
The concourse of spectators was very great ; greater
than at any military parade. The windows of the hous
es, in the vicinity of the common, were filled with fash
ionable and elegant females. The streets around the
common, affording a view of the parade, were actually
thronged with people on foot, and with carriages. Be
tween five and six o'clock, the commander in chiefs La
fayette, and the guests, were escorted by the independent
cadets, from the common to General Lafayette's lodgings.
His progress from the commoq, to his lodgings, Avas
accompanied with the cheers of the troops, and of the
assembled spectators. After his entrance to his lodgings,
he appeared at the Avindows, accompanied by the GoAr-
ernor, when he was again loudly and repeatedly cheer
ed. He had, on this occasion, a fine sample of a Boston
mob : a collection of intelligent, rational, and inde-
penednt freemen, publicly testifying their gratitude to a
national benefactor.
In the evening, he received, at his own lodgings, the
visits of the ladies of the city, of whom a large number
* 1400 plates were set. It is thought about 1200 persons timed.

118 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
honored him with their company.* The dining marquee,
on the common, was brilliantly illuminated. It made a
very beautiful and splendid appearance. A house on
the neck, was also illuminated, with very good effect. '
During the visit of the General at Boston, a meeting
of the citizens of Portland, convened by order of the
constituted authorities, was held for the purpose of
taking the sense of its citizens, in relation to the propri
ety of presenting an invitation to the General to visit that
town, on his present excursion to Boston. At this meet
ing, it was unanimously agreed, to extend an invitation to
him ; a .committee, of arrangements was chosen, and the
letter of invitation forwarded ; to which the General
was pleased to make the following reply.
* Bostox, August 27. 1824.
" Sir — When I had the heartfelt gratification to em
bark on this happy visit to the United States, I anticipa
ted the pleasure .to pay my respects to the citizens of
the state of Maine, and the town of Portland. That in
tention could not but be confirmed by the kind and flat
tering invitation, you have been pleased to transmit. I
much regret, that previous engagements, and the propri
ety not to defer, for a long time, my journey towards the
seat of government, at Washington city, make it impossi
ble for me, at this moment, to indulge my eager desire to
visit the town of Portland. But,' on my return to this
part of the union, and most certainly before I leave the
American shore, I shall have the honour, personally, to
offer to the citizens of Portland, the tribute of my respect
and gratitude.
Be pleased, Sir, to accept my respectful acknowledg
ments and regard,
(Signed) LAFAYETTE.
Isaac Adams, Esq. Chairman of the Selectmen of
the town of Portland."
*He also attended a ball in the evening, given by H, Elliot, Esq.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 119
DEPARTURE FROM BOSTON.
On Tuesday morning the General left the city, escort
ed by a troop of cavalry, accompanied by the aids of the
Governor on his tour eastAvard, as far as Portsmouth.
On entering Lynn he Avas received by military and
civic honors, and escorted by a numerous cavalcade, to
the hotel, which was beautifully decorated, where he
was introduced to the citizens, and Avelcomed by the
chairman of the Committee,* in the following address :
General — The inhabitants of this town have chosen
me their organ, to greet you with a sincere and hearty
Avelcome on this joyful occasion : — A duty oh which I en
ter with mingled emotions of profound veneration, grat
itude and affection towards you, Sir, our nation's early,
disinterested and unvarying friend and benefactor.
The deep, intense, and indelible feelings of this free
and happy republic towards you, General, who so emin
ently and successfully contributed to raise her to her
present proud and powerful attitude among the nations
of the earth, can be no more forcibly illustrated than in
that spontaneous homage o( the heart, which you see
displayed around you on yt)ur arrival upon our favoured
shores ; and which, like a halo of glory, encircles you in
your progress through our country. This, General, is a
language not to be misunderstood ; compared with which
the most laboured declamation must be faint and power
less. Although your present appearance among us, like the
transit of abrilliant anobenericient planet, commissioned to
proclaim good will to/man, in its rapid career among innu
merable world's, is shprt and fleeting, the emanations of
the bright and joyous light which is shed around you,
will continue with us' to guide our steps, and cheer our
hearts to the latest ihoment of our existence.
Permit me now, General, to express my individual joy
at the happy consummation of those ardent Avishes, Avhich
I had the honor to express to you twelve years since in
* JohnAYhite, Esq.

1,20 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.'
your native country — for you haye re-visited us, and you
see that — " All hearts arid arms are open to receive"
you." A procession was then formed, which escorted him
through the toAvn, to the boundary line of Marblehead.
The procession passed between the children of the town
who, were all neatly dressed, and threw boquets of Aoav-
ers before the General and into his carriage. Beautiful
civic arches, decorated With evergreen, and surmouuted
by wreaths, enclosing inscriptions, were erected at inter
vals, under which the precession passed.
« Welcome LAFAYETTE ! Conqueror of hearts!
" WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE."
" October 19th, 1781."
" Welcome, LAFAYETTE ! To thee we owe the
sweets of liberty."
" Thou gavest to us thirteen talents. — Lo ; we havef
gained eleven more. Receive our gratitude."
" The voice of teh millions welcome,"
" The man whom the people delight to honor.
Welcome Lafayette.
Yorktown. Monmouth." ^
On the reverse of the last arch was inscribed :' — r"*
" Tho' lost to sight, to memory dear." %.
On his entrance into Marblehead, lie was welcomed
by a salute of thirteen guns, accompanied by shouts of
applause from the whole population of the town, assem
bled Avith the troops, to receive hixt. He was conducted
to his residence, where he was formally Avelcomed by the
chairman* of the committee, in the following address : —
" Sir, — In behalf of the inhabitants of Marblehead,-
we bid you welcome to this town, after an absence of
forty years — in which time, alternately the victim of
tyranny under various shapes, you havei experienced a
variety of scenes and sufferings, peculiar to human na
ture, for no other cause, but advocating the rights of the
people. * Hon. Mr.Prince.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 121
Since your first arrival in this country, in the dark
days of our Revolution, to assist and promote the same,
your name has been familiar with us as an adopted pat
riot. But your landing here on your arrival from France ;
your commanding afterwards in the expedition at Rhode
Island, where numbers of us Avere ; and your visit to this
town, after the peace of 1 783, has created a peculiar at
tachment in us towards you, in addition to the general
attachment throughout ine country, universally expres
sed at this time. At the same time, our attachments are
not altogether confined to you, for attentions or services
to us, or to our country, in war or peace ; if so, they
would imply local prejudices, Such as Ave do not admit ;
but, we presume, they are from a higher source.
Lafayette ! Like thy friend and associate, Washing-
Ton, thou hast immortalized thy name, not on the toiribs
of slaughtered millions, nor on the ruins of mournful prin
cipalities, kingdoms, and empires ; but on the brilliant
pages of illustrious philanthropists^ on the durable annals
of the great, the good, the divine-like benefactors of man.
Your return to this country, at this time, we consider
providential, and your life having been thus prolonged,
we consider to be for some wise and good purpose, by
him who overrules the destinies of man. -
You are among the few surviving patriots of the Rev-'
olution, Avho remain, to this day, as monuments of the
same ; as such, among other traits of character, we re
ceive you ; but, above all, as the friend of man.
Numbers of us are personally acquainted with you ;
and though not present with you, in your absence, we
have sympathized with you, in all your various fates,
through revolutions, and counter-revolutions ; at Magde
burg and Olmutz. There was no separation in our at
tachments ; though oceans rolled between^ and climates
interposed, there could be no bar to the mind. And
now, restored to your adopted Country, our enjoyment
is only marred, by anticipating your departure, never to
return. Could this land, (by your assistance,) a land of
16

122 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
liberty, retaining the ashes of the fathers of the revolu
tion, Contain yours also, they may be preserved as relics
to lighten up the name of liberty to future generations.
Butr while remaining here, or returning, we can only
express to you our sincere gratulations on this occasion,
and leave the issue with Him, in whose special care and
direction may you be continued, whilst here, and after
wards be received to enjoy the rewards of the virtuous.
And to Him who maketh and unmaketh, who humbleth
and exalteth at his will, we commend you."
General Lafayette gave the following reply : —
" I am very happy to find myself once more among
the patriotic citizens of Marblehead. The very active
part they took in the Revolution ; the scenes and suf
ferings they have experienced, I am well acquainted
with. To be thus cordially received, is, to me, a source
of joy and satisfacti6n. Accept the testimony of my
Eleasure and gratitude, for the affectionate feeling you
ave evinced towards me."
He then partook of a public breakfast, after which
he was introduced to the citizens, among whom he
recognised many of his old revolutionary friends.
At his request, he Avas introduced to Mrs. Robert Hoop
er, a daughter of General Glover, and expressed much
feeling, on meeting a member of the family of the late
General, to whom he Avas Avarmly attached. He was
then escorted to the Salem line, under a salute of twenty
four guns. Here he was welcomed by Colonel Putnam,
chairman of the selectmen of Salem, in the following
address : —
" General, — The citizens of Salem, through their se
lectmen, bid you welcome to the town.
When our town was last honoured by your presence,
you Avitnessed the gratitude of the generation, for whom
you had fought, and whose liberties you had aided in es
tablishing. You now find, Sir, a new generation, ready to welcome
you. The forty years that have elapsed, since you last
honored us, have not dimmed the recollection of your

TOUR OF LAFAYETTfc. 123
services, or cooled the ardor of our gratitude. Your
steady and unwavering devotion since that period to the
cause, of liberty in the old world, has raised for you in
our bosoms, a monument of gratitude, which will endure,
whilst our memories retain an image, or our hearts a
feeling. And, Sir, permit me to add, that I shall al
ways consider that day the proudest of my life, on which
1 had the honor of introducing General Lafayette into
the ancient town of , Salem.
General Lafayette replied in substance, as follows : —
" That he recollected with gratitude the attention that
was paid him when he last visited Salem ; and that it
; gave him great pleasure, to be welcomed, in so flattering
a manner, by a new generation of the inhabitants of this
ancient and patriotic town."
The General then took his seat in an elegant ba
rouche, accompanied by the Hon. Judge Story, president
of the day. A long procession was then formed, of the
cavalry, and cavalcade of citizens, escorting the General,
who was followed by carriages, containing the suite of
the General, the officers of the town, and citizens gene
rally, and moved into town under a salute of artillery.
Arches were thrown over the south bridge, orna
mented with flags, and bearing a label, with the following
inscription : —
" Welcome, Illustrious Chief ! — Receive the pledges
of thy children, to sustain, with fidelity, the
principles that first associated Lafayette
with the destinies of America."
The procession entered Essex street, under an elegant
arch, which was enwreathed with evergreen, and deco
rated with standards of military companies. On this
arch Avere inscribed the names of Washington, Lafay
ette, and other distinguished Revolutionary soldiers. At
the head of North street, another beautiful arch was
erected, covered with wreaths of evergreen and spruce,
from the centre of which were suspended portraits of
Washington and Lafayette. On this arch was inscrib
ed— " Honour to him who fought and bled for the
Peace and happiness we now enjoy."_ *

124 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
The procession entered Boston street, -under another
elegant arch, ornamented in a similar manner, and bear
ing the following inscriptions : —
.'' Lafayette, the friend of liberty, we welcome
to the land of liberty.
f He did not forget us in our adversity — In our
prosperity we remember his services
with gratitude.'?
It entered Federal street, under another arch, ele
gantly decorated with evergreen and spruce, and bearing
the likeness of Lafayefte. A drapery of evprgreeq
ilowers, &c. was drawn across North street, on which
was the following inscription :: —
^Leslie's Repulse, 1775.
" Lafayette's RenoAvn, 1824."
The procession passed down Rrpwn street, and en
tered the mall under the eastern arch, which Avas en-
wreathed with evergreen and flowers, and bore the fol
lowing inscription, in large letters, formed of box leaves :
"Lafayette." It then passed between the two lines of the pupils of
the different schools, all bearing Lafayette badges, and
entered the street, under the western arch, which was
likewise decorated with wreaths, and bore a label, on
which was inscribed, in large letters, formed of oak
leaves, ' La Grange.'
The General was conducted to the Lafayette coffee
house, where he received the following beautiful ad
dress from the Hon. Judge Story :
" GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
Sir — Forty years have elapsed since the inhabitants.
of this town had the pleasure to welcome you within its
limits. Many, who then hailed your arrival Avith pride
and exultatiop, have descended to the grave, and cannot
greetyou on your long desired return. But, thanks to a
good Providence, many are yet alive, who recollect with
grateful sensibility the universal joy of that occasion.-—
Your disinterested zeal in embarking: ip a cause deemed

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 12JJ
almost hopeless — your personal sacrifices in quitting a
home, endeared by all the blessings with which affection
and virtue can adorn life — your toils and perils in the
conflicts of war and the vicissitudes of a discouraging ser
vice — your modest dignity and enthusiasm on receiving
the homage of a free people : These Avere all fresh in
their memories, and gave an interest to the scene, which
cannot be described, but which time has hallowed with
his most touching grace. 1 stand now in the presence of
some, venerable in age and character, who were the de-*
lighted witnesses of that intervieAV, and whose 'hearts
again glow with the feelings of that happy day.
To us of a yopnger generation— the descendants of
your early friends and companions in arms, a different
but not less interesting privilege belongs. We are al
lowed the enviable distinction of mepting in his riper
years, one, whom our fathers loAred in their youth. We
welcome you to our country, to our homps, to our hearts.
We have read the history of your achievements, your
honors and your sufferings. They arc associated with
all .that is dear to us — with the battle grounds consecra
ted by the blood of our heroes, with the tender recollec
tions of our departed statesmen — with the affectionate
reverence of our surviving patriots. Can we forget that
our country was poor, and struggling alone in the doubt
ful contest for independence, and you crossed the At
lantic at the hazard of fortune, fame and life, to cheer us.
in our defence ? That you recrossed it to solicit naval
and military succours from the throne of France, and re
turned with triumphant success ? That your gallantry
checked in the southern campaigns the inroads of a
brave and confident enemy ? That your military labors,
closed only Avith the surrender at YorktoAvn, and thus
jndissolubly united your name with the proud events of
that glorious day ? We cannot forget these things if we
would — we would not forget them if we could. They
will perish only when America ceases to be a na
tion.

126 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
But we have yet higher sources of gratification on the
present occasion. You have been, not merely the friend
of America, but of France, and of liberty throughout the
world. During a long life in the most trying scenes, you
have done no act for which virtue need blush, or human
ity weep. Your private character has not cast a shade
on your public honors. In the palaces of Paris and the
dungeons of Olmutz, in the splendor of power, and the
gloom of banishment, you have been the friend of Jus
tice, and the assertor of the rights of man. Under every
misfortune, you have never' deserted your principles. —
What earthly prince can afford consolation like this ? —
The favor of Princes and the applause of senates sink
into absolute nothingness in comparison Avith the approv
ing conscience of a life devoted to the good of mankind.
At this very moment you are realizing the brightest vis
ions of your youth, in the spectacle of ten millions of
people, prosperous and happy under a free government,
Avhose moral strength consists in the courage and intelli
gence of its citizens. These millions welcome your ar
rival to the shores of the west with spontaneous unar
imity ; and the voice, which iioav addresses you, feeble
as it is, repeats hut the thoughts, that are ready to burst
from the lips of every American."
GENERAL LAFAYETTE'S REPLY.
" Oh my happy return to this shore of liberty, I had
anticipated the pleasure to revisit the town of Salem, to
Avitness her so much increased prosperity, to recall with
surviving old friends our revolutionary recollections. —
But in the affectionate welcome of the new generations,
I find additional causes for delightful gratification.
You have been pleased, Sir, to allude to several cir
cumstances of my life. The first of them I shared it
common with my dear companions during our Americai
glorious struggle. In the transactions of another hemis
phere, 1 have made it a constant object not to be unwor
thy of the American education it had been my happy lo
to receive.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. s 127
I request you. Sir, the gentlemen of the committee, and
all the citizens of Salem, to accept of the respectful
thanks of a grateful and very anciently affectionate
heart." The General was then introduced to the citizens, and
accompanied by the subscribers to the public dinner, and
invited guests, was escorted to Hamilton hall by the bat
talion of light infantry.
The whole was enchanting, and resembled the embel
lishments of a fairy palace, as described in eastern tales.
An elegant arch was erected over the seat, occupied by
the guest of the nation, around the pillars of which,
were entwined wreaths of evergreen and roses, and
scrolls, bearing the names of the presidents of the Uni
ted States. The arch was mazarine blue, on which
were thirteen gold stars, and was surmounted by a
beautiful eagle, holding in his beak a wreath of evergreen
and flowers. Under the arch, was a bust of Washington,
crowned with an olive wreath, and below, a beautiful
picture of the declaration of independence, surrounded
by a chain of gold letters, the initials of the states of the
Union. In the back ground, were the French and Uni
ted States flags, festooned up, and forming a beautiful
drapery. In the recesses, on each side of the General,
were triumphal arches, wreathed with evergreen and
roses, and bearing bows and arrows. — The pilasters of
the hall were decorated with wreaths, and the walls
were covered with elegant paintings, and festoons of ev
ergreens and roses. The windows were ornamented
with yellow drapery, bound with evergreens, and fes
tooned with roses. In front of the orchestra, was sus
pended, an elegant harp, with golden strings, encircled
with a wreath of evergreen. The mirrors and chande
liers were likewise decorated with roses, evergreen and
gold. Over the orchestra, the following inscriptions were.
hung : — " 1796."
Welcome, welcome be the brave.
To the homes he fought to save.
Washington.

128 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
Lafayette, our friend in times Avhich tried rnen's souls,
La Grange.
Mount Vernon.
Lafayette in America ;
Ou pent on etre mieux
Qu1 au sein de sa famille.
On one side of the General was inscribed,
" Hail, gallant chief, our country's early friend !
Long life be thine, and brightening to the end."
On the other side, appeared the following: —
" Though France claim thy birth, here at home shalt thou be,
For thine is the love of the brave and the free."
All the decorations exhibited beauty, combined with
taste, and formed an elegant tribute from the virtues and
graces of those, Avho were prevented from manifesting
otherwise their gratitude, to the protector of the
daughters of America. ,
The General left the table, at half past five, and was
escorted to Beverly, by the battalion of cavalry. On
entering Winter street, he passed under an arch, beauti
fully decorated, from Avhich was suspended, a label of
duck, bearing the following inscription : —
American Duck :
" While winds shall blow, and seas shall roll,
While aught remains that's good and great,
Our native duck, from pole to pole,
Shall waft the name of Lafayette."
Another arch Avas erected at the draw of Beverly
bridge, and as the General passed under it, he was wel
comed by a national salute, fired in Beverly.
Beverly. — In passing through this town, the General
was welcomed by the Hon. Mr. Rantoul, in the following
address : —
" General, — The inhabitants of Beverly bid you wel
come. We welcome you to our country ; that country
which owes so much to your aid in the acquisition of her
independence. We receive you, not merely as the
friend of our beloved country, but as the friend of man.
Your labors, your sacrifices, your sufferings, in the cause
of liberty, demand our gratitude. Tyrants receive the
commanded adulation of their slaves, but to the benefac
tors of our race, belong the spontaneous effusions of our

Tour of lafayette. 129
hearts. Accept our sincere congratulations, that you
live to witness the order, the prosperity, the happiness,
that results from our free institutions ; and may the
evening of your days be solaced with the reflection, that
those principles of government, to the support of which
your life has been devoted, and which alone can secure
the enjoyment of rational liberty, are fast spreading their
influence through the Avhole family of man. Wishing
you long life and uninterrupted happiness, we bid you
farewell." The General arrived in Ipswich, between seven and
eight o'clock, and alighted from his carriage at the meet
ing house. A large number of ladies and gentlemen
were assembled to receive him. He was then address
ed by Nathaniel Lord, Jr. Esq. in behalf of the inhabi
tants of Ipswich, and received the personal congratula
tions of all, who chose to be introduced to him. In about
an hour he was conducted to the public house of Mr.
Treadwell, and there welcomed by the committee of the
town. After partaking of a collation, he left for NeAAr-
buryport, in a close carriage, followed by his suite, and
escorted by a battalion of cavalry.
He passed through Rowley, and Newbury Old Town,
in both which towns the houses on the way-side were
illuminated for the occasion, and reached the boundaries
of Newburyport about half past ten. On entering the
town, he was met- by the Newburyport artillery and
Washington light infantry, and by them escorted to his
lodgings in the mansion house of James Prince, Esq.
which was generously given up by that gentleman for
the accommodation of the General, and his suite. On
passing the town lines a salute of 24 guns was fired.—
Rockets were let off and the bells rung merry peals.
On the General's arriving at his lodgings, an address
was made in behalf of the Corporation and citizens, by
the Hon. E. Moseley, of which the following is a copy :
" General Lafayette.- — The citizens of Newburyport
are happy in this opportunity of greeting, with the warm
est welcome a distinguished benefactor of their country.
17

130 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.-
The important services, which you rendered. this- pee*-
pie in the day of their distress ; the deVotedness which
you manifested in their perilous cause, and the dangers
which you sought for their relief, are incorporated in our
history and firmly engraven upon our hearts.
We Avould lead you to our institutions of learning,
charity, and religion ; we would point you to our hills
and vallies, covered with flocks and smiling in abundance,
that you may behold the happy effects of those princi-
JJes of liberty, which you was so instrumental in estab-
ishing. Our children cluster about you to receive a patriot's
blessing. Our citizens press forward to shew their grati
tude. Our nation pays you a tribute, which must re
move the reproach, that republics are ungrateful.
As the zealous advocates for civil liberty, we give you
welcome ; as the" brave defender of an oppressed peo
ple, we make you welcome. As the friend and asso
ciate of our immortal Washington, we bid you welcome.
The General made a verbal reply, couched in simple
terms, and expressive of the satisfaction be felt at the
cordial hospitality with which he was received.
Supper was then served up, and the General and his
•suite, the committee of arrangements of Newburyport — ¦
the marshals and clergy partook of the same. After
breakfast the next morning, the doors were thrown open
to the citizens generally. The General cordially took by
the hand, all who were introduced to him. Upon the
young he smiled, and to the old he spoke. After the cer
emony was over, the General set out for Portsmouth. —
The rain unfortunately prevented those who would
otherwise have escorted him from the town.
The General lodged, Avhile in this town, in the identi
cal room that was occupied by the immortal WASH
INGTON, when he passed through the town, in 1789.—
The mansion house belongs to N. Tracy, Esq. and the
bed and its appendages were the same iu which Wash
ington slept.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 131
Among the persons who visited General Lafayette in
Newburyport, were not a few of his old companions in
farms, whom he received with every token of the kindest
remembrance^all seeming to awake in the General's
mind the memory of those well-fought and hard-won
fields of battle, in which either he or his compatriots had
acquired their fame. To such men, an interview with
the Marquis, (as he Avas always termed in the army,) the
gallant officer, the generous and skilful commander, whom
they had hitherto seen only in the flower and strength
of his youthful prowess, but whom they now beheld
grown grey arid infirm like themselves under the sorrows
and persecutions of time, must have been, as it evidently
was, deeply affecting. While persons of every age and
sex were in the act of being introduced to the General,
he whispered to Col. Wigglesworth : ' You and I, colonel,
are the contemporaries of four generations of Americans.'
But of the many veterans of the continental army, who
were presented to the General, none produced a stronger
title to notice than Mr. Daniel Foster, who is the only
man in the town belonging to Lafayette's select corps of
light infantry. He was a non-commissioned officer there
in, of course constantly about the General, and possesses
now the very sword which the General gave him in com
mon with the other officers of his favorite and most ex
cellent corps. Mr. Foster held this sword before the
General, when introduced, with the emotions of honest
pride, and stating the circumstances, welcomed the Gen
eral to our shores, and told him that he was proud to
see him once more on American soil, and that his sons'
sons participated in his happiness on the joyful occasion.
When Lafayette learnt that one pf his own infantry stood
before him, who had often commanded his quarter guard,
and Avhen he saw his own mark on the blade of the sword
half-drawn from the scabbard, he greeted his old soldier
very cordially, and assured him that he looked upon him
f as one of his own family.' Some persons affect to
speak slightingly of such things ; but they who can fail
to sympathize in the emtftions of an aged stridier on

132 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
meeting his General after the lapse of half a century,
have not hearts or souls of a very enviabje mould. How
many painful, and how many grateful feelings must the
scene call up in their breasts ! the sadness of defeat,
the heart stirring notes of triumph and victory, the joy
ous bursts of military enthusiasm, and the wearing hard
ships of duty in camp and field, must then rise up in mem
ory before them, mingled and contrasted into mellowed
pictures of the eventful vicissitudes of other days. —
How rapidly must their minds hurry over that period,
which to them alone is fact, but to most of those about
themis history, — rthat period, during which the fair fab
ric of our liberty was laid, and its foundations cemented
with their blood — that period, which began in storm,
but opened into the sunshine of prosperity ,^-that period,
which witnessed the birth and the growth of re?
publican America ! and how keen must be their emt>
tions on seeing Lafayette, whose early devotion to the
cause of our country, whose zeal in joining it in spite of
all opposing obstacles, have in them something chivalric
and poetic, and whose whole career bears the stamp of
romance, whether we regard it when he Avas a fortunate
General in front of the armies of young freedom in the
West, — or at the head of the national guards of his own
revolutionized country,— -or fleeing before the factions of.
Paris and Robespierre's reign of terror,-~-or imprisoned
in the dungeons of 01mutz,-^-or, as now, receiving the
spontaneous homage of ten millions of people, who hon
or him alive, as they would revere his memory if dead,
,_and already canonize him among the heroes and patriots
of America.
RECEPTION AT PORTSMOUTH.
General Lafayette entered Portsmouth, on Wednes^
day, where his arrival was hailed, by all its citizens,
with pride and exultation. There was a glow of unaf
fected delight, on every countenance, which gave an,
hpnest and heartfelt welcome. Lafayette might
^ " Read his history in- a nation's eyes."

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 133
He was received at Hampton Falls, by the committee
.of arrangements, who accompanied him through Green
land, to the limits of the town, Avhere the selectmen of
Portsmouth Avere waiting to receive him. He proceeded
from thence, under tlie escort of a party of citizens, on
horseback, and followed by a long train of our most re
spectable inhabitants, in carriages. The procession ex
tended nearly tAvo miles. On reaching Wibird's hill, a
national salute Avas fired, by a detachment of the Ports
mouth artillery, and the bells in town bearan to ring.
The General took his seat in an open barouche, attended
by the Hon. William Ham, chairman of the selectmen,
and entered the compact part of the town, under a mili
tary escort,formed by the StraffordGuards,fromDover,the
Rockingham Guards, and the Oilman Blues. A short
distance below, upwards of a thousand children, from the
several schools, generally dressed in uniform, and wear
ing the badge of Lafayette, were arranged on each
side, and formed a most interesting part of the show.
Though the weather was unfavorable, and many of them
wore only chaplets of flowers on their heads, neither
clouds nor rain could drive them from their station. — As
the procession advanced, their shout of" Welcome, La
fayette," was distinctly heard, above the music of the
military band, and the cheers of the people. An arch
of evergreens, very tastefully formed, and bearing appro
priate inscriptions, was thrown across Court-street, and
another, opposite to it, with similar ornaments, at the
end of Market-street. The procession passed through
Middle-street, Brpad street, Court street, and Congress
street, to Franklin Hall ; where the General alighted,
and was welcomed to Portsmouth, by the chairman of
the selectmen, who made him the following address : —
" Sir, — The selectmen of Portsmouth, in behalf of
their fellow citizens, most respectfully and heartily bid
you welcome !
Enjoying, as Ave do, the happiness of a free govern
ment, we cannot but feel grateful to all by whose exer
tions it was obtained. Those intrepid men, among our-

134 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
selves, Avho, m the hour of danger, stood forth, in de»
fence of their country's rights, have a lasting claim upon
our regard. But, in contending for the liberty of their
country, they were striving to secure their own happi
ness, and the prosperity of their children. They found a
motive for exertion in their oavo interest, Avhich, while it
derogates nothing from the value of their services, pla
ces, in a strong light, the pure zeal, and contempt of pri
vate advantage, Avhich led you to our aid, from the shores
of a foreign land. Their love of liberty was necessarily
the sentiment of patriotism 1 yours was an ardent desire
for the general welfare of mankind.
After an absence of forty years from our country,
most of which have heen passed in scenes of unexampled
excitement and perplexity, it gives us peculiar pleasure
to find you still the firm and consistent friend of liberal
principles. We have watched the progress of your
eventful life, with unaffected sympathy ; and, whether
at the head of the national guards ; in the dungeons of
Magdebourg and Olmutz ; or in the chamber of depu-r
ties, we have found nothing to lessen our esteem for the
early friend of America.
Permit us, then, to receive you as our guest ; and to
pay you sueh honours as are in our power to bestow.
They are the voluntary tribute of warm and grateful
hearts. We wish our children to learn, that eminent
virtue affords the highest claim to honorable distinction ;
and that among a free people, merit will not fail of its t
appropriate reward.
We beg you to accept our sincere wishes for your
health and happiness ; and our prayers will be offered,
that your example may animate the wise and good, in ev
ery nation, to contend manfully and perseveringly, for the
freedom and happiness of the world."
To which the General made the following reply : —
" Gentlemen, — lt would have been to me an inexpressi-
ble gratification, on this first visit to the eastern parts of
the Union, after so long an absence, to have been able
to present the several towns of New Hampshire with

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 135
my personal respect, and to have witnessed the great
improvement of a state, to which I am bound by early
sentiments of attachment and gratitude.
Obliged, as I find myself, to take a southern course,
towards the seat of government, at Washington, I am
happy to revisit, at least, the town of Portsmouth, where
the remembrance of past favors mingle, with most grate
ful feelings, for your present affectionate and flattering
reception. I thank, you, gentlemen, for your constant concern
in my behalf, during the vicissitudes, to which you are
pleased to allude. The approbation of a free, virtuous,
and enlightened people, would be the highest reward
for any one who knows how to value true glory ; still
more so, when it is bestowed on an adopted son.
To the citizens of Portsmouth, and their worthy se
lectmen, 1 offer my most respectful and affectionate ac
knowledgments." He was then introduced to his excellency Governor
Morrill, who had left his residence in GofJ&town, for the
purpose of meeting him, and who welcomed him, in be
half of the state, in the following address : —
" General, — Forty years have rolled away, since you
left this asylum of liberty, for your native country. Dur
ing this eVentful period, our cities have advanced, and
villages have been reared: — but our Langdon, our Cilley,
our Poor, our Sullivan, and our Washington have passed
from the stage of human action, and are gone to the
land of their fathers. Although they are gone, their
sons survive, and the patriotism and love of liberty which
animated thejr breast and excited them to those glorious
acts, during our revolution, in which you, Sir, shone so
conspicuously, are now cherished in the bosoms of their
posterity : — and we rejoice to be numbered among
them ; and in their name, and in the name of the patriot
ic citizens of New-Hampshire generally, allow me to say,
that it is with no ordinary emotions we receive and Avel-
come you to our state.

1*36 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE,
We receive you Sir, as the friend of our nation, of lib
erty, and the rights of man.
We welcome you as the magnanimous hero, who in
early life, from the most pure and disinterested motives,
quitted your native country, and repaired to these Colo
nies, then the seat of war, (contendirig for independence)
to embark in the struggle for the preservation of those
rights, and the achievement of those privileges, which
are more precious to the patriot than life itself And*
Sir, it is our ardent desire, that the gratitude of repub
lics, but more especially the republic of the United
States, and the smiles of heaven, may rest upon you
to the last period of your life."
To which the General replied — alluding in a very af
fectionate manner to his former associates, the distin
guished patriots of this state — noting some of the chang
es which have taken place since he-left the country.—
He expressed high gratification at the evidence of our
prosperity— and his most feeling acknowledgments for
the cordial welcome with which he was received.
Afterwards a large number of strangers and citizens of
the toAvn were presented to him. Among them were at
least thirty soldiers of the Revolution, who had served
under him, and many of Avhom had travelled a great dis
tance for the purpose of seeing him. General Lafayette
recognised General Smith of Portland, who had served
under him three years as a captain of light infantry, and
expressed the highest pleasure in meeting again his old
companion inarms. He took his hand again and again?
and declared himself" very happy." A Mr. Dow of the
neighbourhood, a venerable old man, approached him,
and while his eyes overflowed with tears, began to count
over his battles, and tell what" the Marquis" had done
for him.
On retiring from the hall, General Lafayette withdrew
to the mansion house of the late Governor Langdon,
which had been prepared for his reception with great
taste and elegance. After taking some rest, he was es*

Tour of Lafayette; 137
eorted to Jefferson hall, where a public dinner was pro
vided, and a larger company assembled than ever before
dined together in Portsmouth.
The company were full of enthusiasm, and greeted,
with ardent applause, every allusion to the character
aud services of their illustrious guest.
In the evening, a splendid ball was given at Franklin
Hall, at which about three hundred ladies were pre
sented to General Lafayette, each one of whom he took
by the hand, and addressed with a passing compliment.
It was a scene of great interest and animation, and
will not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed itl
The General appeared to be extremely gratified, and
lingered in the ball-room nearly half an hour after the
time appointed for his departure.
At ten o'clock-, General Lafayette retired, amidst the
enthusiastic applauses of the people, who still thronged
the streets. Most of the houses, between Franklin
hall, and his lodgings, were illuminated ; hy the light of
which, he was seen as distinctly, as in his entrance in the
morning. After partaking of some refreshments, af his
lodgings, in company with the committee of arrange
ments, and the gentlemen from Newburyport, who were
deputed to attend him^ on his return, he left town, on
his way to Boston, and was accompanied, as far as New
buryport, by a deputation from the committee of this
town. From Newburyport, he proceeded to Boston, with
all convenient despatch.
In Boston, on Thursday, (September 2d,) after
taking some repose, the General received a number of
revolutionary officers and soldiers, and deputations from
several towns, on his contemplated route to New York.
A person took this occasion to present him with a neat
snuff box, made of part of the timber of " Old Iron
sides," which was accepted with much pleasure. He
then repaired to the council chamber, accompanied by
the mayor, and took leave of his excellency the Gov
ernor, and executive council.
18

138 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
In the afternoon, he left town, in the carriage provid
ed for him, oh his return to New York ; accompanied
by the committee of arrangements, in carriages. At
West Cambridge, the citizens were assembled, in front of
the meeting house, to welcome him. Beautiful arches
were thrown across the road, with suitable inscriptions.
At the line of Lexington, he was received by a troop
of horse, and cavalcade of citizens, who escorted him
into that memorable town. Here Avas another beautiful
arch of evergreen and flowers. Motto, — " Welcome !
friend of America, to the birth place of American liber'
ty /" — The salutes were repeated. He was then es
corted to the monument, by a body of artillery and ri
flemen. He then alighted, and was addressed by Major
Phmney, to whom he made a very appropriate and af
fectionate reply. The scholars of the several schools,-
were paraded on the green, to Avelcome their country's
benefactor ; and the huzzas of a large assemblage of
citizens ; the firing of cannon ; ringing of bells, and dis
play, of flags and banners, with the associations connected
with the fepot, on which the first blood Avas shed in the
cause of American independence, rendered the scene pe-
culiarly interesting and impressive. Near the monument,
the General was introduced to fourteen, of the seventy
minute men, Avho composed the company, on which the
British troops first fired, in 1775. A collation was pro
vided, in a marquee, pitched on the lawn, of which the
General partook ; and, at half past four o'clock, pro
ceeded on his way to Concord, suitably escorted, amid
the renewed cheers and benedictions of the gratified
population. At five o'clock, he entered the village of Concord,
where extensive preparations had been made, for his re
ception. An arbour, handsomely decorated, had been
prepared by the ladies, to Avhich he was escorted by
the military ; and an address delivered by S. Hoar, Esq.
The General made a brief, but affectionate reply. — Al
ter taking softie refreshment, he proceeded on his

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 139
route ; and, on Thursday night, lodged at the house of
Mr. Wilder, in Bolton, with whom he had a previous
acquaintance. The superb mansion, and the grounds,
were brilliantly illuminated. He was met here, by the
committee of arrangements, from Worcester,
On the morning of Friday, he left the hospitable man
sion of his friend, accompanied by his suite, and a numer
ous escort, for Lancaster. At the boundary of this place
he was received by a national salute. The Turnpike
gate was dressed with garlands and evergreens, bearipg
the appropriate inscription of
" THE FREE WELCOME THE BRAVE."
The day was delightful : — and in the centre of the
town near the Church, an arch of thirty feet, elegantly
decorated by the hands of the fair, bore the following
inscription : " WELCOME L \FAYETTE.
The American Eagle in trhraph shall wave,
Its pinions of glory to welcome the brave."
An address was delivered to him by the Rev. Dr.
Thayer ; after which the surviving soldiers of the Rev>
olution were introduced, and received with those warm
and touching feeling,swhich the pen of the historian is un
able to describe. In Sterling, his approach was announc
ed by a salute of artillery, and he Avas introduced by two
companies of light infantry, under a spacious arch of
evergreens and flowers bearing a label in gold capitals,
" WELCOME LAFAYETTE,
America's adopted Son,
Brother and friend of Washington.
Our land in trouble found, a friend in thee,
We'll not forget thee in prosperity. "
He was here addressed by the chairman of the select
men ; and after revieAVing the artillery he proceeded on
his journey. His stay at West Boylston was necessari
ly short, but he was received with every mark of at
tention, which could be bestowed.
Worcester. — The General entered the limits of Wor
cester about half past ten o'clock, and was welcomed

140 TJOUR OF LAFAYETTE,
by a general burst of joy from a large body of citizens.— -
Here a barouche, drawn by four beautiful greys, was
in readiness to receive him. He was accompanied in
the barouche by the Hon. Judge Lincoln, Chairman of the.
committee of arrangehaents.
The grey headed veterans of the Revolution, re
gardless of ceremppy, pressed up to the barouche- tb
shake hands as he passed alpng. Upon court hill he pas
sed under a triumphal ar,ch, so tastefully decorated by the
ladies as to attraqt the admiration of all who saw it. —
The children of the schools, ranged in interesting or
der, and ornamented with Lafayette badges, threw lau
rel ip his path, as he passed. On a string of colprs, ex
tended across the street near the bank, was the histori
cal motto : —
" Hitherto I have only cherished your cause, now I go
to serve it.'**
Underneath were inscribed : —
" BRANDYWINE, JAMESTOWN, VALLEY FORGE, YORKTOWN."
At all these spots the cheering was increased and pro
longed. He took breakfast by previous invitation given at Bol
ton, with Judge Lincolri's lady, whose spacious mansion,
elegantly decorated, had been throAvn open, and was fil
led to overflowing with ladies, who greeted their coun
try's benefactor with smiles and fears, while their hand
kerchiefs swere waved in token of Welcome. '¦<,,
After ieceiving tne introduction of the ladfe.,' the
troops paid him their honors, and received evidence of
his satisfaction at their soldier' like appearance and conT
duct. He resumed his journey betAveen tw.o and three
o'clock, and was accompanied by the committee of ar
rangements some miles ori his way. On this occasion,
», speaking of the attentions he received, he remarked.-— •„.
"It is the homage you pay to the principles of yourgovr
ernment, and not to me."
* This is in allusion to his reply to the American Commissioner! in France,
nr6, ,, ,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

141

ADDRESS OF JUDGE LINCOLN.
" Gen. Lafayette, — The citizens whom you see as
sembled around you, have spontaneously thronged to
gether, to offer you the tribute of their affection, their
respect, their gratitude.
" In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the
shirs of an extensive county of more than 75000^ popu
lation, in behalf of all who are present, and in anticipa
tion of the commands of those, whom distance and want
of opportunity occasion to be absent from this joyous scene,
1 repeat to you the salutations, which elsewhere have
been so impressively offered, upon your arrival in this
country, and your visit to this Commonwealth. Wel
come, most cordially welcome, to the presence of those
who now greet you ! ,
'• Your name, Sir, is not only associated with the mem
orable events of the American Revolution, with the bat
tle of Brandywine, the retreat from IValley Forge, the
affair near James Town, and the triumph at York Town,
but the memorials of your services and our obligations,
exist in the independence of the nation Avhich was ac
complished, in the Government pf the people which is es
tablished, in the institutions and laws, the arts, improve?
ments, liberty and happiness, which are enjoyed. The
Sword was beaten into the ploughshare, to cultivate the
soil which its teiriper had previously defended, and tile
hill tops shall now echo to the sea shore the gratulations
of the independent proprietors of the land, to the com
mon benefactor of all ranks and classes of the people.
" Wherever you go, General, the acclamations of
freemen await you — their blessings and prayers will fol
low you. May you live many years to enjoy the fruits
of the services and sacrifices, the gallantry and valor of
your earlier days, devoted to the cause of freedom audi,
the rights of man'; and may the bright examples of indi
vidual glory, and of national happiness, which the history
of America exhibits, illustrate to the world, the moral
force of personal virtue, and the rich blessings of civil lib
erty in Republican Governments."

142 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
To which the General made a pertinent and.aneo-?
tionate reply, the substance of which is as follows : —
He said, " that he received, with much sensibility, the
expressions of kind attention, with which he was received
by the inhabitants of the town and county of Worcester ;
that he was delighted with the fine country which he
had seen, and the excellent improvement, and cultivation
which he had witnessed ; that he saw the best proofs of
a great, prosperous, and happy people, in the .rapjd ad
vancement of the polite and useful arts, and in the sta
bility of our free institutions ; that he was especially
much gratified in the great improvements of the face of
the country, because he was himself a farmer; that he
felt happy to observe such decided proofs of industry,
sobriety, and prosperity. He begged the citizens to be
assured, of his affectionate and grateful recollection of
their reception of him ; he thanked them for all they
had manifested towards him, and for the kind expres-.
sions which had been offered him by the committee.''
The reception of the General at Charlton, Stprbridge,
&c. was splendid and appropriate, and equalled those in
other parts of the country.
' Hartford. — The citizens of this place had made
splendid preparations for the reception of the General, on
Friday, (Sept. 6.) lt was intended to illuminate the city,
and many of the citizens walked the streets,in anxious an
ticipation of his arrival. — An accident, hoAvever, which
happened to his carriage, at Stafford, detained him there
during the night. On Saturday morning, at ten o'clock,
he arrived, amidst the roar of cannon, the ringing of
bells, and the cheerings of thousands, who had assembled
from all parts of the state, to pay their homage to the
early friend of American liberty.
At Bennett's hotel, where he alighted, he was receiv
ed by the mayor, aldermen, and common council, and the
following address was delivered to him by the mayor.
" General Lafayette,—
" In behalf of my fellow citizens, I bid you a cordial
welcome, to the city of Hartford ; a place, many years
since, honored by your presence ; and, though most of

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 143
I
ihose individuals, whose exertions were then united with
yours, to effect the freedom and independence of this
fayored country, have been removed, still, I trust, you
will discover,'!!) their descendants, the same spirit of hos
pitality and patriotism, for which they were distinguish^
ed. The occasion, Sir, is peculiarly calculated, to recal to
mind, those great and interestiug events, which have
taken place, since your first efforts, in faAror of an infant
country, With feeble means, contending againstsuperior
and lawless poAver.
Your martial deeds, your councils, and personal sacri
fices, have ahvays been felt and acknowledged, by the
people of the ("United States ; and esteemed, as signally
instrumental, in effecting their independence, and securing
those blessings which they doav enjoy.
The best reward, for all this, I doubt hot, you will
find, in beholding the country, filled with flourishing
towns and villages, inhabited by freemen, possessed of
the knowledge of their native rights, and in a condition
to protect and defend them ^exhibiting universal and
unequivocal proofs of sincere affection and gratitude, to
the illustrious benefactor of their country.
The names of WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE,
with the present, and all future generations, will be asso
ciated with liberty, freedom, and happiness.
While expressing these sentiments, permit me to add
my sincere personal wishes, for your prosperity ; that
your stay iu our country may be long and happy ; and
that the best of heaven's blessings may ever attend you."
To this address, the General made a verbal reply.
The pupils of the public schools Avere arranged," in fine
order, in the state house yard, to the number of about
800, all in uniform dresses, and Avearing badges with the
motto of " JV'ous vous aimons Lafayette."*
He was here welcomed by the deaf and dumb pupils
ef the ^asylum, wearing badges, with this motto : " We
* " AVe love you, Lafayette."

144 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
feel what our country expresses." While passing the
children, they presented to the General a gold medal,
on one side of which, was engraved, the motto of
their badges, on the other, this inscription : — " Presented
by the children of Hartford, Sept. 4th 1 824."— The med
al was enclosed in a paper, containing the beautiful ad
dress, which will be found among the poetic selections, at
the end of the volume.
The state house was tastefully decorated for the oc
casion, by the ladies, with wreaths, festoons, &c. of ever
greens and flowers. The.General was received in the
senate chamber, and welcomed by Governor Wolcott, in
the following address : —
" Dear General, — I rejoice, in this opportunity, of re
newing to you my salutations, in this ancient capitol of
Connecticut, where a virtuous and enlightened people-
have, during nearly two centuries, enjoyed republican in
stitutions, which were devised by themselves, and which
have been administered by agents, annually designated by
their voluntary suffrages. The principles^ which you
have advocated in council, and defended in the field,
have been here triumphantly established, and, by the
favor of heaven, we hope to transmit them, unimpaired,
to our latest posterity.
These principles are now diffused, on every side, from
the ocean, to the high plains of the Missouri', and, from
the lakes, to the Bay of Mexico. Over this great re
gion, our sons, and our daughters, parents of future mill
ions, are rapidly extending science, religion, industry, and
all those arts which perpetuate and embellish, powerful
communities. Literature and commerce augment our
strength and resources. We are united Aj[ith elevated
spirits, from every country, who have come here, to en
joy all that freedom of opinion, and of action, with which
our own minds are imbued. You can proceed to no
spot, where you will not be met by patriots, who -have
aided your exertions, in both hemispheres, or, by their
admiring relatives, and, in every class, you will rind an
interesting proportion of Frenchmen, including numbers

TOUR PF LAFAYETTE. 145
6F the descendants of those early emigrants, who imbibed
the liberal and gallant spirit of your Fourth Henry. —
Every class of citizens -will instantly recognize in you, an
illustrious benefactor of the United States, and of man
kind, and they will unite in spontaneous s benedictions
with ardent invocations to the Supreme Being, that your
life may be prosperous, with a happy transition to a glo
rious immortality."
The followirig, is in substance, the reply of General La-
f AYETTE. ,, Sir, — I feel very happy in viewing such resources of
strength in New England, which resources should be
cherished with union, as there is such a p6werful oppo
sition abroad to your free principles. I am delighted
with the manifestation of feeling shown towards me ; —
pleased with the moral habits and character of the peo
ple of the state, exhibiting in action a pure Republic. I
am also highly gratified with the fine appearance of
your military."
After the introduction of many hundred ladies, and
some gentlemen, the General was conducted to a plat
form beneath a beautiful civic arch, Avhich was erected in
front of the State house yard. On the arch, in large
letters, were the words "WELCOME LAFAY
ETTE," and immediately above one column, " Mon
mouth," and the other, " Yorktown." Then passed in re
view before the General, nearly one hundred veteran ot
ficers and soldiers of the war of the Revolution, niarch-
ing after their own music, many of whom had served un
der him. He gave them a cordial greeting with the
hand, and appeared much affected with the intervieAV. —
He then received the marching salute of the troops, be
ing about 1200 in number, under the command of General
Nathan Johnson.
At the foot of Morgan street, where the General en
tered the city, was a large arch, extending quite across
the street, bearing the inscription : —
" OUR ILLUSTRIOUS FELLOAV CITIZEN,
LAFAYETTE."
19

146 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
An occurrence of a peculiarly interesting character^-
transpired during his visit at Hartford.
Two epaulettes and a sash, were shewn him, which
he immediately recognized as having formerly belonged
to him. He had .given them, after the peace, to the
late General Swift, of Cornwall, whose family had sent
them to Hartford to be shewn to the General. The
sash still has upon it the stains of blood, from a wound
which General Lafayette received at the battle of Bran-
dywine !
Notwithstanding the rain< which fell in torrents until
near noon, the concourste of people collected on this oc
casion was much greater than was ever before seen in
Hartford. .
Owing to the necessary delay af Stafford, the General
was obliged to embark for New-York, much sooner than
was anticipated^ He went on board the Steam boat
Oliver Ellsworth, about half past three o'clock, for that
city. The boat arrived at Middletown upper houses, about
six o'clock. On her first appearance , a salute of thir^
teen guns was fired.
RECEPTION AT* MIDDLETOWN.
At the landing place, he was received by a deputa
tion, composed of thirteen distinguished citizens of Mid
dletown with the first Marshall ; and escorted' by a
squadron of cavalry, commanded by Colonel Wjlcox, pro
ceeded to the bridge which crosses the northern line of
the city. He was here received by the corps of artillery,
Riflemen and light infantry, under the command of Col.
Walter Boothe, of the 10th Regiment of Infantry, who
joined in escorting him to the large and elegant building
occupied by Mr. Charles Francis, where preparations
had been made for giving him an elegant dinner. The
windows and tops of houses were thronged with females,
who were constantly waving their handkerchiefs, as ex
pressive of their feelings at seeing him. On his arrival
at the house, he was addressed by the Mayor, to

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 147
which he made an appropriate reply. After which, the
the Mayor presented him to the several members of the
corhtnon council, gentlemen of the clergy, and the vete
rans of the Revolution. He was then persuaded to
take a seat in the barouche, and was escorted through
the principal streets in the city ; the houses were bril
liantly illuminated, and added much to the magnificence
of the scene. On his arrival at the boat, he was cheer
ed by the multitude who had followed him. " AtseAren
o'clock he embarked on the beautiful Connecticut, and
though the evening was lowering, all the villages on the.
river were illuminated, bands of music were playing, and
cannon firing. Mr. Ellsworth, one of the liberal propri
etors of the boat, had also provided a band which an
swered the salutes from the shore.
It was a clouded passage for a few miles ; but the
wind changed, and furling up the vapours round the
beautiful hills on the Connecticut, showed the banks,
lined to the very water's edge, with the inhabitants of
every village, the occupants of every farm-house, the
tenants of every hut, and the dwellers by every stream,
that empties into the river. And, from many of these
famed hills, cannon were fired, and drums beat, and
shouts sent down the river, prolonged and varied, by ev
ery promontory, and every bay. The effect of the mu
sic from the boat, was such as a poet might wish to de
scribe. It was the first full band, that ever roused the
echoes of these delightful shores ; and sweetly did they
join in the symphony. The moon shone in full splendor ;
there were illuminations along the whole course of the
river, on both sides ; the air was mild, and the river un
ruffled by a breeze. Transparencies of " Welcome, La
fayette," were lighted up on every green headland, and
salutes flashed from the woods, and roared every where
around him. Had he, who sung the beauties of the vale
of Cashmere, been present, at the scene, perhaps he
would have witnessed, what he.himself could not have
described. Of the 120 passengers, on board the Ells
worth, that night, none had witnessed, or conceived of
such a scene.

148 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
The fatigue of the preceding week, at last induced
the General to retire, and, when the boat arrived ait
Saybrook, he was asleep .: and, notwithstanding the dis
appointment of thousands, who were collected from the
surrounding country, it was not thought advisable that he
should be waked. It might have been difficult ; for
even the music over his head, and the cannon that were
discharged near the boat, did not disturb him.
On the departure of the Ellsworth, for New YorJ^,
the music ceased, and the passengers preserved the ut
most quiet. The passage was smooth, and, when the
General came on deck in the morning, he expressed hitn-
gelf greatly refreshed, and highly delighted with the
boat. The band, (for it was the sabbath,) played a
few pieces of sacred music ; otherwise, all was quiet
and still until his arrival at New York.
On landing in the city, he learned that the packet
ship Stephania, (by which he intended to forward let
ters to France,) had sailed. On the General and his
son's expressing their disappointment, that they had
not reached New York, in season to forward these des
patches, Mr. Ellsworth immediately directed his steara
boat to proceed to the Hook, in search of the ship ; and
fortunately overtook her at that place-
About one o'clock, on Sunday, he landed from the
boat at Fulton market wharf, where he was met, by the
committee of the corporation, and conducted to his quar:
ters, at the city hotel.
On Monday, he dined with the highly respectable so
ciety of the Cincinnati of thp state of New York, at
Washington hall.
At this dinner, General Lafayette, having been called
upon for a toast, rose and addressed the society as fol
lows : —
" With inexpressible delight, at our brotherly meet
ing, with most affectionate thanks to you all, dear, very
dear friends and companions in arms, 1 propose the for.
lowing toast :

T.OUR OF LAFAYETTE, 149
'The sacred principles, for which we have fought and
bled ; liberty, equality, national independence ; may eve
ry nation of the earth, in adopting Jbem, drink a bumper
to the old continental .army,!"
The dinner was served up with much elegance and
taste. The dining room was beautifully decorated. Sev
eral ladies of the city volunteered to assist in the orna
ments, and displayed much taste on the occasion.
Over the table, at the head of the room, a triumphal
arch of evergreens, roses, and a variety of flowers, was
erected, with a spread eagle in the centre, and a label
issuing from his bill, on which was inscribed, " Sixth
September" (the birth day of Lafayette,) and the year
of his birth. From the centre, lo the right side of the
room, a label Avas extended, inscribed, " Brandywine,"
with the date of the battle ; aud, from the centre to the
left, another label, inscribed," Yorktown,'1'' with the date
of the surrender at that place.
Over the centre of the room, was a brilliant galaxy of
twenty-two stars, from which pendants Avere extended
to each corner of the room. — The sides were hurig with
the banners of the society, apd a variety of elegant flags.
At the foot of the tables, under a canopy of floAvers,
placed in elegant order, were cannons, stands of arms,
drums, helmets, shields ; and in the centre, was displayed,
in the evening, a beautiful transparent painting of the
Goddess of liberty, pointing to a shield by her side, on
which was inscribed, " Welcome Lafayette."
On retiring from the dining hall., the entry and steps
were thronged with people. As he passed along, one
of the crowd threw a gold ring into his hat, exclaiming,
that it Avas the only way he could manifest his respect
for the illustrious friend of our country. The person
immediately mingled in the croAvd, so that the General
could not recognize him ; but he instantly slipped the
ring on his finger.
On Tuesday, the 7th' inst. the General, in company
with the members of the corporation, visited the alms
Hpuse, free schools, hospitals, academy pf aits, and

150 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
Columbia college ; at the latter of which, he was weh
corned, by President Harris, in an appropriate address.
On Wednesday the 8th, at the invitation of the offi
cers of the army, he proceeded, in the Chancellor Liv
ingston, down the bay, notwithstanding the heavy rain,
and visited the different fortifications in the harbor.
About five o'cloek, they returned to the city, and in
the evening, the whole company visited the theatre^
the interior of which was decorated for the occasion,
and the front illuminated, had exhibited a transparency,
representing the goddess of liberty, with an inscription,
" Lafayette, the friend of freedom ; the benefactor of
mankind." On Thursday, at twelve o'clock, the General attend
ed the musical performances of the Choral Society at
St. Paul's. On his entering the church, the choir struck
up the -fine air of " See the conquering Hero comes ;" giy?
en, as it was, with the whole strength, (instrumental, as
well as vocal,) of the company, the effect was grand
beyond description.
In the afternoon, the General reviewed the whole of
the fire companies in the city, who paraded iu the Park.
The number of men, composing these companies, is about
1200. During the ceremony, the engines were drawn
together, in a circle, and, at the same time, directed
their discharges to a point in the air, thus forming a most
beautiful column of water.
On Friday, the 10th, in pursuance of an invitation
from the trustees of the free schools of New York, the
General visited some of the schools, and afterwards re
viewed the whole, collected, for that purpose, in the
park. It was judged, 40,000 persons were assembled
in the park, and adjoining streets.
When he entered the female department, he was
welcomed, by several hundred little girls, chanting the
following stanzas :
Welcome, Hero, to the west.
To the land thy sword hath blest !
To the countiy of the free,
AVelconre, friend of liberty :

Tt)UR OF LAFAYETTE. 15l
Grateful millions guard thy fame,
Age and youth revere thy name ;
Beauty twines her wreath for thee,
Glorious son of liberty .'
Years shall speak a nation's love,
Wheresoe'er thy foot steps move ;
By the choral paean met,
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette !
He expressed himself highly gratified with the anima
ting spectacle before him, and spoke warmly in favor of
all institutions and combinations of benevolent individuals
for the purpose of instructing the poorer classes of
the community ; and as the strongest evidence in their
favor, he alluded to the opposition te this work of phi
lanthropy, which exists in Europe.
At the male school, were present, nearly four hun
dred and fifty scholars, all well clad, very attentive, and
under excellent discipline. This department of the
free school embraces from 700 to 800 scholars. When
the General had been seated, a little boy, apparently
from eight to ten years of age, mounted the forum, and,
with much distinctness of enunciation, and propriety of
gesture, pronounced a very appropriate address, which
ended thus:
" May that sun, which has shone with such splendor,
and whose rays have contributed so much to the happi
ness of mankind, and, in particular, to this western
hemisphere ; I say, may that sun set, (when Providence
shall ordain,) without a speck to obscure it ; and, it hav
ing acted its part, like the natural sun of this great sys
tem, which imparts light and warmth, so shall Lafayette
have imparted a light and a warmth, which shall thrill
through the hearts of beings yet unborn."
At one o'clock, the General visited the African free
school, under the tuition of Mr. Andrews, and direction
of the trustees of the Manumission society.
He next visited the hospital, and then returned to his
lodgings, and enjoyed a few moments repose, until it Avas
ascertained, that the children of all the schools were
paraded in the park, where, attended by the committee.

152 TPUR OF LAFAYETTE.
and trustees, as before, he returned, and viewed the
whole of this most interesting groupe. The children
were paraded in double lines, facing inwards, and ex
tending entirely round the outward bounds of the park.
Through thpse lines, the General passed, receiving, at
every step, the warmest evidences of attachment, not
only from the little scholars, to the number of 5000, but
from at least, 5000 people more, who had assembled on
the occasion. Oh arriving at the city hall, the party
halted upon the steps, and the scholars marched round
before their honored guest, and retired with their in
structors* On his return from this visit, he received military
honors from the ninth regiment of the New York artille
ry, and was presented by Col. Muir, in behalf of the offi
cers, with a superb gold mounted sword, who made the
following address.
" General, — The officers of the ninth regiment of
New York state artillery, anxious to manifest, in com
mon with their fellow citizens, their esteem for you, as
the champion of their country ; the associate and friend
of Washington, have deputed me to present to you this
sword, the belt and mountings being exclusively of the
manufacture of this city.
It is unnecessary to recount the many signal services
that you have rendered to our country. It does not
comport Avith the character of soldiers, to multiply words
or . professions ; it is sufficient for them to know that you
Avere always found in the front rank of those who shed
their blood, and expended their treasure, in the glorious
cause of liberty, during the eventful time,'that " tried
men's sPwls." These services are not forgotten, by a
grateful posterity ; they are engraven on the hearts of
a free people, by whom you will ever be remembered,
as the friend of liberty, the benefactor of mankind.
May your declining years be as happy as your
youthful and more mature ones have been useful and glo
rious ! Your name Avill ever be associated with liberty,
freedom, and benevolence !

fOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 153
Permit me, General, to add my personal wishes for
your health and happiness, and to assure you that 1 shall
consider the circumstance of my having been chosen the
organ of the officers of the regiment I have the honor
to command, to present you with this sword, as one of the
most agreeable and interesting of my life."
THE GENERAL'S ANSWER.
" With the highest pleasure and gratitude, I receive
this most valuable present from a distinguished corps of
citizen soldiers ; every one of whom knows that swords
have been given to man to defend liberty where it ex
ists, to conquer Avhere it has been invaded by crowned
and ackriowledged usurpers.
Accept, dear Colonel, and let all the officers and sol
diers of your corps accept my most affectionate thanks."
The following is a copy of the inscription on the
sword :
" Presented to Major-General Lafayette, by Colonel
Alexander M. Muir, in behalf of the officers of the ninth
regiment N. Y. S. Artillery, 10th Sept. 1824, as a small
token of the esteem in which he is held by them for his
private worth, and distinguished service during the war
which gave independenee to the United States."
> The belt is of exquisite workmanship, richly embroid
ered with gold. On it are inscribed, in silver, the fig
ures '76, and letters L. F. thus—" L. '76. F." The
plate of the belt is large, and sufficiently elegant to cor
respond. The ground Avork of the plate is occupied
with appropriate military devices, and around these Rre
the four folloAving inscriptions :
" The Marquis de Lafayette,
Born in France, 6th Sept. 1 757.
Joined the American army of the Revolution as a vol
unteer, and was wounded at the battle of Brandy wine,
11th Sept. 1777.
Commanded the army in Virginia during the campaign
of 1781, and was at the attack at Yorktown, 19th Oct
1781.
I. '.7.
20

154 TOUR OF LAFAYETTfi.
Revisits the U. S. of America on an invitation frorii
Congress, and landed at New-York, August 16th, 1824."
In the evening he visited Vauxhall gardens, to which
place he was escorted by the Lafayette guards.
On Saturday, he dined with the French Residents, at
Washington hall, which was ornamented with arches
composed of festoons of flowers, thrown across the hall,
representing fhe four quarters of the globe, and rest
ing on four marble columns placed in each corner. In
the centre was a brilliant revolving sun. At each end
of the table, were large transparent paintings, represent
ing the Genius of Liberty presenting to the Goddess
Cybele, Washington and Lafayette, with Minerva presid
ing over the scene. In one hand, the Goddess of liberty
held a shield with the following inscription. — Hontieur a
mon soutier. (Honor to my supporter.) Down the mid
dle of the table, for seventy feet in length, appeared a
miniature representation of the New York canal, mean
dering through green pastures, groves of trees, over
ledges of rocks, and under bridges, and bearing on its bo
som, miniature canal boats, flocks of water fowl, Ac-
Little fish were seen swimming in various directions.
This representation of ohe of the great sources of
wealth, and prosperity, and enterprise of the state, was
much admired for iii taste and neatness, and it is said was
got up under the direction of a person formerly in the
employment of the King of Naples.
During Saturday, General Lafayette and his son call
ed at the house of Mr. John Hurley, the patriotic manu
facturer who sent out to him before he left France, the
elegant Washington hat, which he has worn since his
landing in this Country, and who also refused to take pay for
one furnished to George Washington La ayette, alleging
that all the hats he could supply the family with were paid for
forty years ago. This. visit evinces in the strongest light,
the republican feelings and the affability and kindness of
the great friend of liberty. He spent nearly an hour at
Mr. Hurley's, and manifested a lively interest for his fam
ily, taking each by the hand, and conversing with them

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 15.5
)n the most affectionate manner. His visit was without
announcement, and therefore the more grateful to the
feelings of all. While he remained, many of the neigh
bours and friends of Mr. Hurley were introduced, and
cordially received by the General.
On Sunday, he attended Divine' service at Trinity
church. FETE AT CASTLE GARDEN.
"After several postponements on account of the weafh?
er, the splendid fetegiyen to General Lafayette took
place on Tuesday evening, 14th, the delay having given
time for extensive preparations.
This fete is represented as the most magnificent dis
play ever witnessed in America; and is said to have made
a reality of all we read of in the Persian Tales, and
Arabian Nights ; which dazzled the eye, and bewilder
ed the imagination.
As early as six o'clock in the afternoon, carriages were
in motion, every one being aware of the crowd which
would ensue, and throng the avenue to the castle. By
the judicious arrangements of the managers, every facili
ty was afforded to the company of arriving with expedi
tion and safety. For this purpose, the enclosure of the
battery was thrown open opposite Greenwich and Bridge
streets, and a semi-circular pattnvav for carriages, lead
ing by the avenue to the castle, was constructed. By
the side of this, was a walk for persons on foot, secured
by barriers from the carriages on the one hand, and the
multitude of spectators on the other. Three steam
boats, tastefully adorned with flags apd brilliantly illumin
ated, were also constantly plying from different points in
the city, landing their crowds of passengers at covered
ways, leading into the Castle. Owing to this easi
ness of access both by land and water, and the perfect or
der which was preserved in the approach, throngs were
constantly pouring in from several directions ; and before
10 o'clock, the whole company to the number of abouf
six thousand had assembled.
It is estimated that the multitude within the enclosure
pf the battery could not have been less than fifty thou.

156 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
sand, filling to overflowing the whole of that spacious and
beautiful area.
At about 8 o'clock, the line of carriages approaching
with company, extended up Greenwich street, as far as
Dey street, the distance of about half a mile.
The exterior view of the castle and the surrounding
scenery, was grand and picturesque in the extreme. —
Several houses in the vicinity were brilliantly illumina
ted, and in every direction lights were seen danping up
on the'blue waters of the bay. At the entrance of the
bridge, extending from the battery to the castle, a dis
tance of several hundred feet, was a splendid pyramid of
lamps, not less than fifty feet in height, surmounted by a
large star of the most dazzling lustre, intended as embla-
matic of the glory of Lafayette. The bridge itself was
carpeted and covered by an aAvning, the lofty arch light
ed with hundreds of lamps, and adorned with wreaths,
festoons, and copses of evergreen. At its extremity, op
either hand, were antichambers and convenient rooms,
where the ladies prepared for their entrance.
It was a scene of enchantment, which the mind could
not bring itself to believe was a reality, and which left the
beholder mute, bewildered, and gazing in astonishment.
Let the reader imagine an immense, amphitheatre, not
less than two hundred feet in diameter, or six hundred
feet in circumference, with galleries rising one above
another, to the extreme part of the battlement, the as
cent to which was by lofty flights of steps — let him im
agine a canopy extending over the whole area, the apex
of which Avas seventy feet from the floor, woven of fes
toons of flags of all colours and descriptions, entirely con
cealing the triple folds of canvass, forming the awning;
let him imagine this spacious arch supported by a mas
sive column, in the centre, entwined with spiral wreaths
of laurel, half concealing the names of Revolutionary
patriots, and arms extending from this central pillar, hung
with thirteen chandeliers, blazing with almost painful lus
tre ; let him imagine around the galleries, and rising to
support the panopy, thirteen other transparent pillars of

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 157
large dimensions, glowing with every hue, their bases
surrounded Avith the arms of the several states, their
capitals with those of the nation, and each of them or
namented with a canopy : let hiiri imagine the whole
roof, and every part of the spacious area, hung with
chandeliers and lamps, giving ah indescribable brilliancy
to the decorations of the room : let him imagine six
thousand ladies and gentlemen, in full dresses, dancing,
promenading, and muving in all directions, to the music
of two numerous orchestras in the gallery, over the en
trance : let him, if he can, combine, into one view,
these splendid images, and he may form some idea of
the coup d'oiil of this spectacle. It is believed that the
most celebrated amphitheatres of antiquity never present
ed a more grand and imposing view. It is certain, that
nothing in this country, or in riiodern Europe, has surpas
sed, or even equalled it. Persons who were present at
the coronation of the emperor Napoleon, and of George
IV. say, that neither of those pageants could be compar
ed with this in point of grandeur and effect.
All the ornaments of the castle were allegorical. The
central pillar was designed to represent the centre of
the Union ; and the thjrteen transparent pillars, as well
as the thirteen phandeliers, were emblematic of the
thirteen original states, Avhich united in the declaration
of independence, and with which the Revolutionary ser
vices of General Lafayette are associated. The names
of these states were hung in festoons, at the summits of
the respective columns.
Over the entrance, was a bust of Washington, design
ed to represent him as the presiding spirit of the fete,
given to his illustrious friend, and associate in arms. On
one end of the gallery in front, was the word Monmouth,
and on the other, Yorktown, in ornamental capitals ; in
the centre, a large allegorical representation of the
Genius of America, attended by the eagle, and bearing
the inscription, " gratitude to the faithful patriot."
?Opposite the entrance, and at the foot of the principal
stair-way, leading to the gallery, Avas a splendid pavilion,

158 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
lined with blue silk, and superbly ornamented with suita-
ble decorations, among which was a bust of Hamilton,
wreathed with laurel, and several portraits of revolution?
ary heroes and statesmen. The interior was richly
carpeted, and furnished with sofas? for the accommoda
tion of the General and his suite.— In front of the pa
vilion, a table was spread, lpaded with refreshments,
among which was the mammoth cake, presented by Mr.
Ferry. This cake was elegantly decorated, presenting^
at equal distances around the pyramid, thirteen likeness
es of the General, with the words " Welcome, Lafay
ette," around each. It was also ornamented with col
umns, stars, and roses, and displayed national standards
on the top. The inscriptions were formed of sugar
plumbs, inserted in the cake-
The company was numerous and brilliant, beyond
what has probably been ever witnessed in this country ;
embracing a large proportion of our most respectable
citizens, with their families, and a great number of
strangers, from various parts of the United States, Cana
da, and Europe,
At about ten o'clock, General Lafayette entered the
Castle, accompanied by his suite, and escorted by the
committee of arrangements. A line of beauty, taste,
and fashion, eagerly pressing to salute him, as he passed^
extending from the entrance to his pavilion, across the
hall. — He walked through the gallery, and the area be-;
low, and was introduced te a great number of ladies and
gentlemen. On taking his seat in the pavilion, the alle:
gorical painting, in the front gallery^ arose, and disclosed
a fine transparency of his seaf at La Grange, in France.
Beneath the picture, were the words " his home," in
capitals. The effept was instantaneous, and produced
bursts of applause.
Throughout the whole evening, the company amused
themselves with cotillions, eighty sets being frequently
on the floor at the same tjme, the dances being called^
and closed by the bugle. In the intervals, the other or-1
chestra played a variety of marches, and national airs

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 159
to the music of which, the party promenaded through
the spacious area, which, at no one time, was crowded,
notwithstanding the immense concourse. The evening
was one of the serenest and most delightful during this
season ; the cloudless moon, pouring her silver beams
upon the waters, and the softened air, from the harbor,
breathing through the numerous openings of the castle.
Owing to these favourable circumstances, not the slight
est inconvenience was experienced from so large an as
semblage, the whispering of the breeze superseding the
necessity of the fan.
At two o'clock in the morning, the General took leave
of the company, and embarked on board the James
Kent, in waiting for him, at the castle, being beautifully
illuminated, and adorned with banners. As she wheeled
from her moorings, and commenced her march up the
Hudson, burning, like an enchanted castle, upon the wa
ters, the whole company rushed to the battlement, and
cheered her departure, following, , with the warmest
benedictions, their illustrious visitant, on his way to
West Point, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Albany.
Large delegations from these places, accompanied him.
The General expressed himself delighted with this
gala ; which, owing to the advantages of the place, and
other circumstances, has not, and cannot be equalled by
any fete that will be given him in this country. Perhaps
there is not a place in the world, in all respects so com
modious, and eligible for such a festival.
Soon after the General left the castle, the company
retired, without any accident to mar the festivities of the
fete, and delighted Avith the enjoyments of an evening,
which will long be remembered, and form an era in the
legends of fashionable amusements."*
London boasts of its Vauxhall ; Paris, of its Champ d?
ElySses ; Naples, of San Carlos ; but foreign gentlemen
present, admitted, that they had never seen any thing tp
equal this fete, in the several countries to which they re
spectively belong. * JJevr York; Statesman.

160 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE,-
One circumstance, deserving notice, has been omitted,
on his second visit to the city of New York. Previous
to his excursion up the north river, the General pur
chased the portable writing desk, which obtained the
premium at the last exhibition of the mechanic and sci
entific institution of that city, and presented it to Capt.
Allyn, of the ship Cadmus, whose polite attentions to the
General, during his passage from Havre, secured his es
teem and friendship. — The desk is made of rich mahoga
ny, lined on the top and front, with rose wood, and in
dented with polished brass scollops, inlaid with admirable
exactness. A highly polished brass plate, on the top,
bears the following inscription : —
" General Lafayette,
to his excellent friend,
Captain Allyn.
August 15th, 1824."
This desk was manufactured by Mr. N. Prentiss : ,the
General also presented the chief mate, Mr. Daniel Chad-
wick, a very beautiful and rich case of instruments, suita*
ble for his profession.
The steam boat made good progress, for a considera
ble distance ; but the' fog coming up so thick as to im
pede her progress with safety, she unfortunately ground
ed, at a place called the oyster bank, which detained
them several hours. About 12 o'clock, her approach
to that point, was announced ; and the lofty bank of the
Hudson, was lined with spectators ; and the cadets were
in line, as if they had been summoned from their bar
racks, by the wand of a magician. The General was
here received by Colonel Thayer, the commander of the
post, accompanied by Major Generals Brown and Scott;
with their respective suites, together with the officers
and professors upon the station, under a salute of twen
ty-one guns, from a detachment of artillery, posted upon
the bluff, directly north of the old barracks. A landeau
was in readiness to receive the General, as he stepped
on shore, in which he ascefided the hill, to the plain, fol
lowed by a long procession.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 161
He was received on the plain, by the corps of cadets,
whom he reviewed ; and afterwards received the march
ing salute, in front of the marquee erected for him, and
witnessed several evolutions, which etinced the perfec
tion of (iiscipline. From the parade ground, the General
repaired, for a few moments, to the quarters of Gene
rals Brown and Scott, at Mr. Cozzens', while the ladies
assembled in a spacious room, adjoining the library, and
partook of refreshments prepared for the occasion.
This library is very extensive, and the room is decorated
with portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Mr. Calhoun,
and General Williams, who were originally at the head
of this institution. At half past two, the General was
conducted, by Colonel Thayer, to the splendid library of
the institution, where the corps of cadets Avere individu
ally presented to him, by Major Worth ; the gentlemen
upon the point, who had not previously been introduced,
were then presented, after which the ladies Avere sev
erally introduced, ,
From the library, the General repaired to the mess
room of the Cadets, elegantly fitted up for the occasion,
and sat down to an elegant dinner with about 400 per
sons. It would be needless to recount the numerous
and elegant decorations that were displayed in the room.
Festoons of evergreen were suspended from pillar to
pillar, in every direction through the spacious hall. Back
of the President's chair hung the star spangled banner.
Over the chair Avas a large spread, and elegantly wrought
eagle, with the words" September 6, 1757," issuing
from the streamer in his beak, and " York ToAvn" grasp
ed in his claws. A croAvn of laurel, interwoven with
roses, was suspended over the General's head1.
At six of the clock, the General embarked on board
the boat for Newburgh.
He arrived at Newburgh, after dark, and Was escorted
by a corps of infantry, who were in Avaiting oh the
Avharf, to the Orange hotel, where he Was received by
the corporation of the village, and welcomed ih ah ap
propriate address by their president, on behalf of his
21

162 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE,
fellow citizens. After the General/had made a suitable
reply to the address, he was escorted, in an open
carriage, through the principal streets of the city, over
which were thrown numerous arches, beautifully em
bellished, and bearing patriotic inscriptions. These
were so richly and beautifully ornamented with festoons
and flowers, that they would have answered well for
decorations to the portals of the temple of Flora herself.
The inscription here Avas, " Welcome our hero, Lafay-r
ette." At Poughkeepsie, the General was received with the,
same evidences of grateful and patriotic feeling. The
steam boat arrived at the landing before day light.
At sun rise, all hands were piped on deck, and a
more imposing spectacle has rarely been presented, The
high bluffs below the landing place, were covered with
troops in uniform, and thousands of citizens Avere crowd
ing the wharves, and showing themselves in large
groupes, from the neighboring lieights, and windoAvs of
the houses, standing Avithin view of the river, All ages
and sexes seemed to press anxiously forward, to show
their gratitude to their welcome visiter.
The troops on duty at this place, consisted of the uni
form companies, belonging to the several regiments of
the 7th division of infantry, under Major Brush. Their
appearance was soldier-like, and their discipline excel
lent. A barouche was drawn up for the General, and
another for his son, each drawn by four white horses.
He was then escorted through several of the principal
streets, to the front of Mr. Forbes' hotel.
Immediately after breakfast, and with a praiseworthy
promptness, the escort was formed, and the General
was attended to the boat with every possible mark of
respect. Numerous agreeable attentions were paid to
the General, on his passage up the- river, by the occu
pants of the several country seats Ayhich adorn its banks.
While passing the scene of Arnold's treason, General
Lafayette related, very minutely, all the circumstances

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 163
Connected with that affair. Washington, with many
other officers, arrived at Arnold's house, on the day of
his escape. Intelligence of the arrest of Andre, and the
treason of Arnold, was communicated to Washington a
few minutes before dinner. He mentioned it to Lafay
ette, Hamilton, and Knox only. At dinner, it was ob
served, that General and Mrs. Arnold were both absent.
After dinner, the intelligence spread rapidly, and a coun
cil of the general officers AVa^ called, at which, General
Knox, the junior brigadier, was first asked by Washing
ton, what ought to be done. General Knox, with great
gravrity, replied, " that something should be done to pre
vent the desertion of major generals."
A few miles below Newburgh, the General recognised
his quarters, in the winter of 1781, and called Major
Cooper, who was there with him, to talk over the inci
dents of that winter. " Do you recollect," said he to
Major Cooper, " when Major *****, who used to slide
down that hill, with the girls, came near being drowned,
by falling through the ice ? He was an eccentric, but
an excellent man."
The boat arrived at Clermont, about four in the after
noon, and anchored off the beautiful mansion of R. L.
Livingston, Esq. To those who have travelled upon
the Hudson, nothing will be necessary in praise of this
elegant situation. To those who have not, it may be
proper to say, it is one of the most delightful spots in na
ture. — This seat was formerly the late Chancellor Liv
ingston's. But while the rocks and glens, and even trees to their
topmast branches, presented this animated spectacle, the
General, his suite, and friends, Avere still more surprised
by the appearance upon the lawn, of this romantic and
secluded place, of a regiment of well-disciplined troops,
in uniform, drawn up to receive him.
The shipping anchored in the stream, was decorated
with appropriate flags ; and, on landing, a salute was
fired from the vessels, and returned from the shore.
The General was then conducted by Generals Lewis

164 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
and Fish to the seat of Mr. Livingston, where he was
received by that gentleman with every mark of courtesy
and respect.
After the friends of Mr, Livingston, assembled on the
occasion, had been presented, the General reviewed the
troops upon the lawn, by whom he was honored with a
feu de joie. At this moment, a long procession of the
ancient and honorable fraternity of freemasons, consist
ing of a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the mem
bers of " Widow's Son Lodge," of Red hook, emerged
from a grove, apd, on being presented to the General, an
address was delivered by Palmer Cooke, Esq. W. M. of
the above mentioned lodge.
After a brief and pertinent reply, the General accept
ed of an invitation to visit the seat of Edward P. Living
ston, Esq. Avhich is situated but a short distance to the
north, upon the same elevated and beautiful plain.. An
excellent collation, together with refreshments of every
suitable kind, were served up. And while the compa
ny were partaking of these, the steam boat Richmond,
Captain Wiswall, came down, and anchored alongside of
the James Kent ; having on board Major General Jacob
Rutsen Van Rensselaer, and suite, Brigadier General
Fleming and suite, the mayor of Hudson, (Rufus Reed,
Esq.) Dr. Tallman, late mayor, and Colonel Strong, as
delegates from the city of Hudson, together with the
Hudson band, and two elegant uniform companies, under
the command of Colonel Edmonds. This formidable ad
dition to the company already on the ground, repaired
immediately to the seat of Mr. E. P. Livingston, from
whence, after refreshments were served out to them by
Mr. L. and Com. Wiswall, in person, General Lafayette
was escorted back to the seat of his liberal entertainer.
As night came on, the troops and crowd from the coun
try dispersed, and the Hudson troops were taken on
board of the steam boat James Kent, where refresh
ments were ordered, and the forward deck and cabin
assigned to them for the night. In the evenipg, the

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 185
whole of Mr. L's. splendid suite of apartments was
brilliantly lighted up, and an elegant ball was given in
honor of the General's company.
During the evening, a sumptuous supper was served
up in a style of magnificence rarely, if ever, equalled in
this country. The room selected for this part of the
fete, was an extensive greenhouse or orangery, and the
effect Avas indescribably fine. The tables had been
made, and fitted for this occasion, and were spread be
neath a large grove of orange and lemon trees, with
bending branches of fruit, and many other species of
exotic shrubs and plants. Flora also, had profusely
scattered her blossoms ; and the whole scene seemed to
partake of enchantment. The beholder stood gazing as
if bound by the wizzard spell of the magician. The
night was dark and rainy ; but this contributed to the
general effect of ihe fete, inasmuch as the darkness
heightened the effect of the thousand lamps, by which
the surrounding groves were illuminated. There was
also a fine exhibition of fire works, which had been pre-
Eared, and brought from NeAv York, for the occasion. It
aving been found inconvenient to provide suppers for
so many on board of the boat, the whole detachment of
troops were invited by Mr. L. to supper in the green
house, which invitation was accepted. At ten o'clock,
General Lafayette retired from this scene of gaiety
and beauty, and at two, the hall was closed, and the
company separated, not only highly gratified with the
entertainment, but with the manner in which it was got
up, and imparted to his guests, by Mr. L. whose style
of liying closely approximates that of the real English
gentleman, and Avhose wealth is equalled by his kindness
and liberality.
RECEPTION AT CATSKILL.
On his arrival at this place, the long wharf, which
projects half a mile into the river, was occupied by two
battalions of troops in uniform. The highlands, which
nearly exclude the whole village from a vieAV of the

166 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
river, were covered with people, arid on the arrival of
the James Kent at the dock, a salute of thirteen guns
was fired from the artillery on one of ihe heights. The
engagements of the General rendered it necessary for
him to be in Albany on that day, to dinner ; in conse
quence of which, his stay at Catskill was rendered more
limited than had been anticipated. — He was drawn
through the principal street, in an open carriage, by four
white horses. The crowd assembled, amounted to be
tween three and four thousand people. Civic arches
were erected, dressed with appropriate decorations of
evergreens and flowers, bearing the inscription of
" Welcome Lafayette." The windows Avere crowded
with the ladies, who waved their scarfs and handker
chiefs, while the populace were making the hills echo,
and the valleys resound, with their reiterated cheers.
Among the groupe assembled in front of ±Wr. Crowell's
house, were many, whose silver locks, furrowed fea
tures, and tottering steps, bespoke age and hard sir-
vices. v
But time, which will not slacken his pace, nor even
linger amid scenes like this, rendered it necessary that
the General should be on board. He left amid the
hearty cheers of the inhabitants ; the ladies once more
waved their handkerchiefs ; while many of the
young men, in the retinue of the General, who felt
more interested in viewing the young and fair damsels,
who presented themselves at the window, than the aged
veterans ; could but wonder how the town came by so
much beauty and elegance.
The children of the village of Catskill have remitted
the sum of $150 to the treasurer of the American Bi
ble Society, to constitute Lafayette a life director of the
society.
RECEPTION~Tt HUDSON.
On the arrival of the boat at Hudson, just before
twelve, he was invited to partake of a public dinner at
that place, but time would not permit. This was some-

TOUR OF - LAFAYETTE. 167
what of a disappointment to the inhabitants, as splendid
preparations had been made for his reception.
He Avas conducted to an elegant barouche, drawn by
four beautiful black horses, attended by four grooms,
in a special livery.
At this place, as well as those he had already passed
through, Avere erected arches elegantly decorated, over
one of which stood a eollossal figure, representing the
Genius of Liberty, grasping in her hand, the American
standard, Avhich, from its unusual size, had an imposing
effect. Appropriate inscriptions were borne upon each
of the arches. The procession moved to the court
house, which Avas superbly decorated, and all the seats
without the bar, were filled by the " fair daughteis
of Columbia."
At the entrance of the bar, on cither side, stood a
beautiful Corinthian pillar, with caps and cornices of the
composite order of architecture, elegantly Avrought and
ornamented with leaves and gold. On the top of each
of these pillars was placed a globe, and the whole were
united at the top, by a chain of flowers of every hue, fes
tooned with laurel and roses. The General was con
ducted to the rich and beautiful portal, where his hon
or the mayor delivered an address.
Lafayette briefly replied to the address ; after which,
the members of the common council were severally
presented to him, A most interesting and affecting
spectacle was then presented, Sixty-eight veterans of
the revolution, who had collected from the different
parts of the county, formed a part of the procession, and
were next presented ; and it so happened, that several
of them were officers, and many of them soldiers, who
had served Avith Lafayette. Notwithstanding they
were admonished that the greatest haste was necessary,
yet every one had something to say ; and when they
grasped his friendly hand, each seemed reluctant to re
lease it. One of them came up, with a sword in his
hand, Avhich, as he passed, he remarked, was " given to
him by the marquis," at such a place, " in Rhode Isl-

168 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
and." Another, with a tear, glistening in his eye, as
he shook the hand of the General, observed, " You,
sir, gave me the first guinea I ever had in my life ; _I
shall never forget that." The officers of the militia
were next presented, and, after them, the ladies.
So earnest were the solicitations of the people that,
contrary to the intentions of the General, he was con
strained to alight for a few moments at the hotel, Avhere
preparations had been made for dinner. The room
was elegantly decorated ; and over the chair designed
for the seat of Lafayette, was a wreath, in the centre of
which was an inscription in poetry. After a short delay
the General returned to the boat ; and on leaving the
dock three cheers were given, and returned from the
boat. In passing up the river, the docks and the vil
lages of Coxsackie, New Baltimore and Coeymans, were
crowded Avith people,, who gave assurance of their af
fection ahd respect, by their repeated cheers.

RECEPTION AT ALBANY.
General Lafayette visited Albany on Friday the 17th
of September.
His welcome Avas announced by a salute of artillery
and the merry peal of bells which continued ringing
nearly two hours. On landing, he entered a barouche
draAvn by four Avhite horses, accompained by Major
General Solomon Van Rensselaer, marshal of the day.
He was then escorted by a company of cavalry and
gentlemen on horseback to Greenbush, where he was
received and entertained by the citizens of that place,
who had erected a spacious tent for the occasion. Near
the tent was also erected a civic arch, elegantly decora
ted with evergreens and flowers, and upon which were
appropriate inscriptions. On one side, Freedom's Volun
teer, LAFAYETTE— One Republic not ungrateful: On

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. __$
the other, Yorktown, ldth October, 1.781 — " The Bov
did escape."*
After spending a short time with the citizens of Green
bush, he proceeded to the Ferry, and immediately cross
ed the North river to the Albany side, where were as
sembled to welcome him, thousands of well dressed cit
izens, whose voices made the welkin ring as he ap
proached the landing. On his reaching the shore, an
excellent band of twenty-One respectable young men,
and superior we think to any private band we have
ever heard, commenced playing " Lafayette's welcome to
America?'' a new tune, composed by Mr. Mfeline, leader
of the band.
Among the inscriptions oh the arch, decorated with
various flowers and evergreens, and hung with variega
ted lamps were the following.
"THE HERO WELCOME."
"We remember thy deeds.
We revere thy worth.
We love thy virtues.
We Hail thee welcome.''
At the fooi of State street, was erected a splendid
civic temple, iri the centre of which was a bust of
Alexander Hamilton. The temple was beautifully dec
orated with roses and evergreens, and brilliantly il'lu>
urinated ; on the top of it was perched a live Eagle,
which, as the General passed, pointed its beak towards
him and flapped its wings, as though it would say, Wel
come Lafayette ! The appearance of the temple was
very grand, and the inscriptions were numerous and ap
propriate, hone of them however, possessed the charm of
novelty. On arriving at the Capitol, which Avas tastefully orna
mented, the Mayor, Judge Spencer, delivered an appro-
* Allusion is here made to a sentence, written in a letter by Cornwallis, (which
was intercepted) in the Virginia Campaign of 1781 — where he observes in.
relation to Lafayette — " The boy cannot escape me.'" Yet this heroic youth
failed him in all his movements, and drove him to his covert in Yorktown,
where the boasting1 man-General was entrapped, with hip whole army.
22

170 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
priate address, and bade a cordial welcome to the dis
tinguished guest, in behalf of his fellow. citizens, and re
ceived a handsome reply.
A splendid ball was given in the assembly chamber,
which was fitted up for the occasion, with much taste
and elegance, being hung with festoons of evergreens and
flowers, surrounding the names of revolutionary patriots
and soldiers.
On Saturday the General visited Troy ; and after par
taking of a collation with the members of the chapter
of Royal Arch Masons of that city, and other gentlemen,
he proceeded to the Troy female Seminary.
The ladies were drawn up in ranks on each side of an
arbor ; and as the General entered it, he was met by a
committee of nine ladies, with Mrs. Albert Pawling at
their head. The General was introduced to the com
mittee by Col. Lane, and was then addressed in the fol
lowing very neat and appropriate manner by Mrs. Paw
ling :
"Respected and Dear Sir,
The ladies of Troy rejoice in the opportunity of
meeting the illustrious friend and early benefactor of
their much loved country — and through me, tender to
you sir, their most affectionate respects and cordial wel
come to this noAV peaceful and happy land.
The ladies are also proud in being able to present, in
the pupils of the adjoining seminary, a living testimony of
the blessings conferred by that independence, which you,
sir, so essentially contributed to establish, and in which
our sex enjoy a prominent share.
Permit me, sir, the pleasure of introducing you to the
principal and assistant teachers of " The Troy Female
Seminary," — an institution which we consider an honor
to our city and country."
In reply, the General expressed his happiness at such
a cordial reception from the ladies of Troy ; and was
then conducted up the arbor to the front of the edifice,
on the steps of which, the principal of the Seminary,
Mrs. Emma Willard, was waiting to receive him. The

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 171
steps ascended from each side, and en their front was an
arch, sur rouuded by evergreens and flowers, bearing this
well adapted inscription:
" We owe our schools to freedom — freedom to La
fayette." He was handed up the steps and introduced to Mrs.
Willard by Mrs. Pawling. On the landing place he
fourid himself under a canopy of evergreens and flow
ers, from the centre of which, and directly over his
head, was suspended a beautiful wreath.
Here the principal of the seminary was standing, at
the entrance of the hall, and within it her beautiful
school was arrayed, with their instructress of music, pre^
pared to perform the following fine lines, Avritten for the
occasion, by Mrs. Willard herself. When the General
had been introduced, they were sung.
And art thou, then, dear Hero come?
And do our eyes behold the man,
Who nerved his arm and bared his breast
For us, ere yet our life began ?
For us and for our native land,
Thy youthful valor dared the war ;
And now, in winter of thine age,
Thou'st come and left thy lov'd ones far.
CHORUS.
Then deep and dear thy welcome be ;
Nor think tby daughters far from thee :
Columbia's daughters, lo ! we bend,
And claim to call thee Father, Friend 1
But was't our country's rights alone
Impell'd Fayette to Freedom's van !
No ! 'twas the love of human kind —
It was the sacred cause of man —
It was benevolence sublime.
Like that which sways the Eternal mind !
And benefactor of the world,
He shed his blood for all mankind !
CHORUS.
Then deep and dear thy welcome be ;
Nor think thy daughters far from thee :
Daughters of human kind we bend,
And claim to call thee Father, Friehd !
The instructress of music, Miss Smith, whose voice is
one of almost unmatched sweetness and richness of
tone, and who plays and sings with great expression,

172 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
performed the air, accompanying her voice on the piano;
and the whole school joined in the chorus.
At the close of the music, two pupils, one of them the
daughter of his excellency Governor Van Ness, of Ver
mont, and the other, the daughter of his excellency
Governor Cass, of Michigan, stepped forward, as the
representatives of the youth of their own sex through
out the country, and presented him, one a copy of Mrs.
Willard's " Plan of Female Education,'? and the other
a copy of the lines just sung, beautifully printed on a
sheet' of embossed paper, bordered vvith blue.
The General was then handed from the steps and
doAvn the arbor, by the principal of the Seminary, follow
ed by the committee of ladies. At the entrance of the
arbour npxt the street, the barouche Vvas in waiting, into
which he was handed by Colonel Lane, when the escort
received him again, and conducted him down to the fer
ry, on his return to Albany.
On Saturday morning he took passage in the steam
boat, James Kent, for New York, and arrived on Mon
day in excellent health and spirits.
In the afternoon of Monday, he dined with the Ma
sons, at Washington Hall, and in the evening visited the
Park Theatre. The masonic dinner is said to have
been one of the most splendid festivals that has ever
taken place in this country. There were five hundred
of the fraternity present, elegantly dressed. Six tables
were extended in a parallel direction almost the length
of the spacious saloon, at either end of which, elevated
considerably higher than the others, were the tables
at which were seated the officers of the Grand Lodge
and guests. The hall, says the New York Patriot, was
crossed by two superb arches, extending from the cor
ners, and crossing each other near the ceiling in the cen
tre of the room ; from their junction was suspended a
brilliant sun, about six feet in diameter. In the end of
the room in which Lafayette sat, a large arch canopy,
of evergreens, flowers, &c. was erected, for the recep*
Jjpn of the illustrious chief; and back of the table was

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 173
$n illuminated and truly magnificent representation of
the Masonic Temple. Beneath, an illuminated arch, on
one of the walls of the saloon, were paintings represent
ing Washington and Hamilton : and at the end opposite
to that at which Lafayette sat, a handsome allegorical
painting, illuminated, was placed: this represented
Washington and Lafayette, hand in hand, Avhile the
genius of liberty was crowning both with laurel. The
walls were festooned with flowers, evergreens, and flags,
and the banners of the various masonic associations Avere
displayed around the room.
The General left New York on Thursday, to proceed
upon his southern tour. Previous to his departure, he
was presented by Mr. Mumford, with the memorable
Cane Worn by Franklin, and which he left in his will to
Washington. At Jersey city he was welcomed by Governor Wil
liamson, and escorted by squadrons of horse and a caval
cade. At Bergen, the deputation of the town, with oth
er offerings, presented him with a Cane made from an
apple tree, under which Washington and Lafayette once
dined during the revolution. His progress was announc
ed by salutes. At Newark his reception was unusually
splendid. Three thousand infantry and five hundied
horse were paraded, and reviewed. The procession
was long, and among others, was the deputation from
New York city.
After partaking of a collation with Major Boudinot,
he proceeded for Elizabethtown, accompanied by the
Governor, and a numerous cortege, proceeded by a mili
tary escort.
At Elizabethtown, he was received by the corpo
ration of the city. C. Halste, Esq. the Mayor, welcom
ed him in the following address.
"General Lafayette —
Your adopted country rejoices in this opportunity of
offering you a Nation's homage. Less than fifty years
have elapsed, since the story of our colonial oppressions
palled you to our shores, a youthful, but gallant soldier in

174 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
the camp of freedom- At that period, you could only
receive the spldier's welcome to the embattled field, and
be pointed to the enemy within our borders; the wel
come of the kindred spirits of our revolution to an hon
ourable share in the glorious, but then almost hopeless
struggle for independence. This we knoAv, Avas then a
sufficient welcome to the heart that could bleed for
others' wrongs ; and to the feelings of him who could
forget the allurements of rank and fortune, and hazard all
on the event of a doubtful contest, in vindication of stran
gers' rights.
We recollect, with pride, that our armies were then
led by heroes, wor,thy brothers in arms in the cause of
liberty^r-that we had a beloved Washington to extend to
you the right hand of fellowship, and to share with you
the dangers of the field. Your name and virtues are en
graven with his on the tablets of our hearts, and with his
shall be transmitted to our children's children, with ac
cumulating honour. We have already experienced bles
sings which give some measure, by Avhich we can esti
mate the value of your services. The short period of a
single life has given birth to a nation, and brought it to an
eminence Avhich commands the admiration of the world.
In the morning of that life which you devoted to our
destinies, clouds and darkness rested upon them. Our
hearts gloAV with gratitude, that before your sun has gone
down, we are enabled to Avelcome you to bright andhapr
py scenes of domestic peace, and of unexarnpled national
prosperity. 1 beg you to accept from the corporation of this Bo-;
rough, the assurance of their profound esteem and grate-.
ful remembrance. And permit me, sir, in their name,
and in accordance with my own feelings, to bid you a
most cordial welcome to the land and hearts of freer
men." The General was then conducted to a platform in front
of the hotel, where he was met by the M. W. Grand
Master Munn, who in presence of a large concourse of
his masonic brethren, presented our illustrious brother, in

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 175
behalf of Washington Lodge,, an appropriate gold med
al, and made a pertinent address.
He passed the bight with his early friend General
Jonathan Dayton. At ten o'clock on Friday, the party
resumed their journey — and were detained a short time
at Rahway and Woodbridge,;at both of which places the
General was handsomely received.
At Brunswick, where ample preparations had been
made, the cavalcade arrived at four o'clock.
The General was addressed, in behalf of the Corpora
tion by Dr. Taylor, after which the party sat down to a
splendid dinner at Follet's hotel. Several rural arches
had been erected in this city as well as at the several
towns before mentioned.
On the 25th September he left N. Brunswick for
Princeton. He was met at Kingston by the committee
of arrangements, and the Princeton Cavalry and infantry.
While at Princeton, the president of the institution at
that place, after a pertinent address, presented the Gen
eral with the Diploma made out in the year 1790, sign
ed by the late Dr. Witherspoon, then president, and the
then Trustees of the College.
At two o'clock, the cavalcade arrived at Trenton,
where about 3000 troops, and an immense multitude of
people had assembled. The General was conducted to
the state-house, at the gate of which was erected the
triumphal arch under which General Washington pass
ed, on his journey to New-York, to be inaugurated as
President of the U. States. Here he was met by a
choir of 24 young ladies, each having the name of a state
imprinted on the waist ribband. The General playfully
remarked, without any reflection upon the sovereign
congress, that the states were never so well represent
ed before. The folloAving address Avas delivered by the
Mayor. " Sir — The citizens of Trenton most cordially and affec
tionately bid you Avelcome among them.
To receive upon this spot,' Avhere your friend, our il
lustrious Washington, raised the first successful barrier

176 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
against the relentless tide of oppression, which in the1
eventful period of seventy-six, was rolling over our coun
try ; the hero who, in the succeeding stages of our rev
olutionary struggle, acted so conspicuous a part, and con
tributed so essentially to its glorious termination, cannot
fail to awaken the most agreeable sensations.
Next to our beloved Washington, there is no name enJ
twined with deeper interest in the hearts of Jersey men
than Lafayette. None which they will transmit to their
posterity, encircled with a wreath of nobler praise, or
embalmed with the incense of purer love, than that of
the interesting stranger who embarked his life and for
tune upon the tempestuous ocean of our Revolution —
and who fought at Brandywine — at Monmouth and at
Yorktown, to procure for Americans those blessings you»
now see them so fully enjoy.
The aged Veteran, who partook with you the fatigues'
and dangers of the camp — the march and the battle —
hails your return to the land of your youthful exploits,-
with sentiments of fraternal love — a love cemented by
the blood you mutually shed, and the toils you mutually
endured in the glorious contest.
The present generation, too young to share with you
in the conflict, look to you with feelings of filial love and
veneration — from their infancy they have been taught to
unite your name with the fathers of our country, and
they doubt not that your heart still beats with the same
warm affection to this people, as when in the attitude of
the youthful warrior, you flung your shield before our
infant republic.
Our gratitude delights in rearing this day to you sir, a
civic arch, rendered to us deeply interesting by being the
same, which five and thirty years ago, served to evince
our attachment to our beloved and revered Washing
ton — but all sir, that you see or hear, can but inadequate
ly convey the warmth of those feelings by which the
citizens of this place are actuated towards you — and the
joy it affords them to receive you as their guest."

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE! 177
Ah address was also delivered by General Stryker,
on the part of the militia of the state, to which General
Lafayette returned a very flattering reply.
He afterwards dined with the corporation, and sup
ped with the Cincinnati. To the address of the Cincin
nati the General made this reply :
" My friends, 1 want words to express the happiness
I feel in thus meeting my brothers and companions in
arms in the state of New Jersey. My heart thanks you
for vour affectionate remembrance of me, and for the
kind manner in which you have expressed it. This hap
py country is now in the full enjoyment of the invaluable
benefits of those sacred rights of human nature for
which we fought and bled ; and Ave must not despair of
their final triumph on the other side of the Atlantic.-^-
I regret that so many of the society are no more ; and I
wish to express my most affectionate regards for the
survivors. To the New-Jersey line particular praise and
honor is due, for their distinguished services in the ar
duous contest. I beg you, sir, to communicate to each
of the Society my best wishes for his individual happi
ness and prosperity.''
On Sunday morning he attended divine service at the
Presbyterian church, and in the afternoon visited Jo
seph Buonaparte, with whom he spent two hours. It was
an interesting meeting; both were deeply affected, and
Warmly embraced each other.
He crossed the DelaAvare at eleven o'clock on Mon
day morning, escorted by the Governor of New-Jersey,
and the committee of Trenton, and was received on the
Pennsylvania shore by the Governor of Pennsylvania, in
the presence of his staff, the committee of the city of
Philadelphia, and a brilliant display of troops. He
was addressed by the Governor, to which the General
made ah affectionate reply.
We have hitherto been particular in detailing every
circumstance of interest connected with the reception
of the General on his tour through New-England. As
he approaches south from Philadelphia, it Avould be un-
23

178 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
necessary, and perhaps uninteresting to the generality of
our readers to be thus minute. It would also cause us
to exceed the highest number of pages marked out in
the prospectus. Whatever of interest, may attach it
self to his reception in future, whether grave and seri
ous, anecdotal or otherwise,will be related with a brevi
ty and conciseness, (not losing sight of any thing impor
tant) which may be more appropriate, and more accep
table to our readers.
The addresses which have been delivered by the mu
nicipal authorities of the various towns and cities through
which the General has passed, and so cordially wel
comed, as well as the replies thereto, the various mot-
tos and inscriptions, which have adorned the banners
and civic arches, must from the nature of the case,
aside from some few local circumstances and events,
participate somewhat of similarity. But that similarity
is nothing less than the spontaneous burst of a Nation's
Gratitude. ENTREE INTO PHILADELPHIA.
His reception in this city was grand beyond descrip
tion. The procession reached about four miles, and oc
cupied the space of one hour and ten minutes in enter
ing the city.
The men were foriried in platoons of from eight to
sixteen in open order. Taking as much of the line as it
Was possible to embrace in one view, the effect was very
imposing. The splendid dresses and excellent accoutre
ments of the military, the fine equipment of the pri
vate citizens, the banners of colored silk waving in the
wind, the gilded standards, and the emblems of the dif
ferent mechanic arts, all conspired to give splendour to
the scene.
As the General approached the arch at Vine street,
twenty-four young girls, dressed in white, with garlands
of flowers, sung the following song :
Strike the cymbal, roll the tymbal,
Sound the trumpets, beat the drums,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 179
Loudly ringing, cheerily singing,
La, the patriot hero comes.
Great commoner, slighting honour,
Here the youthful hero came,
Aiding strangers, braving dangers,
Human freedom was his aim.
Troops come prancing — st.e advancing-,
All Columbia's sons and daughters,
Greet the hero lands and waters.
Streamers streaming, shouts proclaiming
Far and near the hero's name.
God of thunder, rend asunder
All the pow'rthat tyrants boast.
"What are nations, what their stations,
When compared with freedom's host ?
What are mighty monarchs now,
While at freedom's shrine we bow,
Pride of princes, strength of kings,
To the dust fair freedom brings,
Hail him — Hail him— let each exulting band,
Welcome Fayette — to freedom's happy land,
All hail bim — all hail — all hail him.
About the same time the John Adams, anchored in
the stream opposite to Vine street, fired a salute. When
the General arrived opposite to the State house, anoth
er salute was fired by the firigate, and the bells of Christ
church " rang a merry peal."
Included in the order of procession, were one hundred
and fifty revolutionary heroes, drawn in three cars of
great magnitude, with four horses each, trimmed with
white and red, and the cars decorated with evergreens,
flags, and emblematical descriptions. Each soldier wore
the revolutionary cockade. On one side of the first car,
in large gold letters, were the words, " Defenders of our
country ;" on the other, " The survivors of 1776 ;" in
front, " Washington ;" in the rear, " Lafayette ;" also a
large car, containing a body of printers, and in which
were the various articles belonging to a printing office.
The compositors and pressmen were at work, and the
latter distributed from the press an ode, prepared for
the occasion, by Alderman Barker. The members of
the Typographical Society followed, preceded by a ban
ner, inscribed, " Lafayette, the friend of universal libera
ty, and the rights of the press."

18Q TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
There were also tAvo hundred cordwainers, with
badges, emblems, &c. ; three hundred weavers ; one
hundred aud fifty rope makers ; one hundred and fifty
lads ; one hundred ship builders ; seven hnpdred me
chanics, of different occupations ; one hundred and fifty
coopers, preceded by a car, containing a cooper's shop,
with workmen, fitting staves, and driving hoops, &c. ;
one huudred and fifty butchers, handsomely mounted on
horseback ; between two and three hundred cartmen,
mounted with aprons trimmed with blue ; a body of
two hundred riflemen, handsomely dressed ; artillery
with field pieces ; a brigade of infantry in uniform ; and
a body of about three hundred farmers from the sur
rounding country?
The following is the address of the mayor, and the
General's reply :
" General, — The citizens of Philadelphia welcome to
their homes the patriot Avho has long been dear to their
hearts. Grateful, at all times, for the enjoyment of a free gov
ernment, they are, on this occasion, peculiarly anxious,
but unable to express a deep felt sentiment of pure affec
tion towards those venerated men, whose martial and
civic virtues, under Providence, have conferred upon
themselves, and their descendants, this mighty blessing.
Forty eight years ago, in this city, and in this halloAV-
ed hall, which may emphatically be called the birth
place of independence, a convention of men, such as the
world has rarely seen, pre-eminent for talents and patri
otism, solemnly declared their determination to assume
for themselves the -right of self-government, and that
they and their posterity should thenceforth assert their
just rank among the nations of the earth. A small, but
cherished band, of those who breasted the storm, and
sustained the principles thus promulgated to the world,
still remain. In the front rank of these worthies, histo
ry Avill find, and we now delight to honour, General La
fayette, whose whole life has been devoted to the cause
of freedom, and to the support of the unalienable rights
of man.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

181

General — Many of your co-patriots have passed away,
but the remembrance of their virtues, and their services,
shall never pass from the minds of this people ; their's
is an imperishable fame, the property of ages yet to
come. But we turn from the fond recollection of the
illustrious dead, to hail with heart felt joy the illustrious
living, and again bid welcome, most kindly and affection
ately Avelcome, to the guest of the nation, the patriot
Lafayette." To which the General was pleased to make the fol
lowing reply : —
" My entrance through this fair and great city, amidst
the most solemn and affecting recollections, and under
all the circumstances of a welcome, which no expression
could adequately acknowledge, has excited emotions in
my heart, in which are mingled the feelings of nearly
fifty years.
Here, sir, within these sacred Avails, by a council of
wise and devoted patriots, and iu a style worthy of the
deed itself, was boldly declared the independence of
these vast United States, which, while it anticipated the
independence, and, I hope, the republican independence,
of the whole American hemisphere, has begun, for the
civilized world, the era of a new, and of the only social
order, founded on the unalienable rights of man, the
practicability and advantages of which are every day
admirably demonstrated by the happiness and prosperi?
fy of your populous city.
Here, sir, was planned the formation of our virtuous,
brave revolutionary army, and the providential inspira-;
tion received, that gave the command of it to our belov
ed, matchless Washington. But these and many other
remembrances, are mingled with a deep regret for the
numerous cotemporaries, for the great and good men
whose loss we have remained to mourn. It is to their
services, Sir, to your regard for their memory, to your,
knowledge of the friendships I have enjoyed, that I refer
the greater part of honors here and elsewhere received,
much superior to my individual merit.

182 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
It is also under the auspices of their venerated names,
as well as under the impulse of my own sentiments, that
I beg you, Mr. Mayor, you, gentlemen of both councils,
and all the citizens of Philadelphia, to accept the tri
bute of my affectionate respect and profound gratitude."
To describe the mottos on the numerous arches, and
the appropriate exhibition of portraits in front of the
printing offices, would transcend the limits prescribed to
our work. Suffice it to say, they exhibited specimens of
literature aud taste, worthy the occasion which called
them forth. The illumination, though not universal, was
general, and, in many parts of the city, brilliant. Por
traits of distinguished patriots, civilians, and warriors,
were transparently exhibited ; and in front of the Coffee
House, was placed a picture of La Bonne Mere, the
Good Mother. This was the name of the ship in which
General Layette first sailed for this country. She was
about 400 tons burthen, and commanded by Capt. Le
Boursier. During the afternoon, the General paid several visits
in a private carriage. The illumination ceased about
eleven o'clock. The number of persons assembled, Avas
estimated at one hundred thousand ; in addition to
which were ten thousand troops.
The following is the address of the state society of
Cincinnati of Pennsylvania to General Lafayette, in the
hall of independence, by Major William Jackson.
General, — In accordance with national gratitude, and
the most affectionate personal attachment, the State so
ciety of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania hail with heart felt
welcome, your auspicious return to the United States,
to whose freedom and happiness the flower of your
youth, and the friendship of your life, have been un
ceasingly devoted ; and to whose glorious attainment of
national sovereignty and independence, your valour and
your virtue were eminently conducive.
The lapse of forty years has greatly reduced the roll
of our original associates ; but their descendants, inher
iting the sentiments of their sires, and instructed by the

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. l83
faithful record of your worth, unite most cordially with
the surviving feAv of your companions in arms to felici
tate your arrival, and to cherish your residence in the
land of your adoption, whose unrivalled prosperity must
impart- the most pleasing sensations to your sympathetic
breast, and even enhance the grateful and unanimous
Congratulations of a free and happy people.
With fervent wishes for a long continuance of your
health and happiness, we are, General, your faithful and
affectionate friends.
(Signed in behalf of the Society,)
D. LENOX, President.
To the address of, the Cincinnati Society, General La
fayette replied, in expressing his pleasure to meet again
his brothers in arms, his regret for the companions we
have lost. He observed, that in the very hall where he
had the happiness to receive them, he was, for the first
time, admitted by Congress to the honor and inexpressi
ble gratification to rank among the soldiers of America.
We, soldiers of national independence and equal rights,
added he, cannot but be particularly proud of those
principles, the happy consequences of which we have
lived to witness. He offered to the society his most af
fectionate and grateful thanks.
An address was also delivered by the citizens of Phil
adelphia in their collective capacity, to which the Gen
eral affectionately replied.
On visiting the navy yard, he was received by Com
modore Barron, and addressed by Dr. Sutherland, in be
half of the citizens of Southwark. The veteran's reply
was characterised by that feeling and impressiveness,
which have hitherto marked his productions. After
reviewipg a body of marines upon the parade ground,
under Major Gamble, he partook of an excellent colla
tion, with a highly respectable company. Bishop
White pronounced a blessing, subsequent to which the
General was addressed by Commodore Barron.
After leaving the parade ground, he passed in front
of about five hundred male and female children, belong-

184 . tour of lafayette.
ing to the free schools of Southwark, who were drawh
up on either side of an elegant arch, under which the
General entered the yard. As he passed along the line
pf children, about fifty little girls sung the following ode,
written for the occasion, by Mr. William B. Tappan :—
Son of valor 1 heir of glory !
Noble by the patriot's line,
Gallant warrior ; chieftain hoary !
Immortality is thine !
Wreath the laurel, muses ! wreath it ;
'Tis for no ignoble name,
Breathe the song, inspirers ! breathe it ;
Worthy of the vet'ran's fame ;
When a people, true to brav'ry,
Saw the tempest gath'ring nigh,
Heard the manacles of slav'ry
Rattle in the turbid sky,
Triumph ! thou, who livJst to say it ;
Then arose proud vic'try's son !
Crush'd is slavery ! for Lafayette
Wears the meed that valour won !
Haste ! ye nobles, vainly borrow
Lustre from the scroll of peers ;
While it dies, the name of warrior
Brightens with the touch of years !
And, though mingled with his fathers,
In the slumbers of the tomb,
Time, who saps the palace, gathers
For the heto fresher bloom.
Go and mark him ! shades of even
Soon shall lurk around his bed ;
Go and mark him ! winds of heaven
Soon shall sweep that wint'ry head !
Yet, with flowers will we array it,
Fairer than the poet's dream !
Perish silence ! when Lafayette,
Is a nation's grateful theme !
, On the evening of -the 4th of October, the General
attended the grand civic ball given at the new theatre,
which is represented as exceeding in beauty and magnifi
cence any thing of the kind ever beheld in the city. Be
tween fifteen and* seventeen hundred ladies and gentle
men were present, exhibiting an unrivalled galaxy of
fashion, elegance and splendor.

tour of Lafayette/ 185
> Among the very elegant and appropriate niottos aud
inscriptions, we transcribe the following : —
Directly over the entrance to the ball room, in letters
of gold, upon a light blue ground, was an inscription ex
pressing the cordial ahd universal welcome given to the
nation's illustrious guest : ,
" tf, to our thoughts, there could but speech be found,
" And all that speech be uttered in one sound,
" It should be welcome." ,
In the left arm of the lobby, and corresponding with
the foregoing, was the following :
" Pompey's dignity,
The innocence of Cato, Caesar's spirit,
Wise Brutus' temperance, and every virtue,
Which, parted unto others, gave them name,
Flow, mixed in Him."
In the right arm of the lobby, and corresponding with
the foregoing, was the following :
•' Non civiiim arbor prava jubentium,
" Non vultus instantis tyrauni
" Menti rjuatit solida."
An exceedingly striking part of the entertainment,
was the annunciation of a toast, to be drunk by all the
company simultaneously, precisely at twelve o'clock*
Without naming the guest, he was exclusively, and
most tastefully alluded to in thp following :
" Disinterested Valor :
" Its fruits unenvied Glory, and unbounded Gratitude.'1''
A 'fine flourish of trumpets preceded the preparation
for the toast. It was then audibly proclaimed by one of
the managers ; at the same instant, a superb banner
dropped from the ceiling, immediately back of the pro-
cenium, on both sides of which it was splendidly inscrib
ed, and the terminating scene of the ball room suddenly
disappeared, leaving, in its place, a fine allegorical paint
ing, representing the bust of Lafayette, about to be
croAvned with victory, and Fame, proclaiming from her
trump, " A nation's gratitude."
There were many other inscriptions, with likenesses
ef Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Hancock, Mifflin, &c. and
" The hall appeared
A palace of enchantment, formed by magic,
24

180 TOUR OF LAFAYETTfc
w Of an entire and perfect chrysolite."
So bright itglow'd, so bright, the eye at first
Mark'd not the wonders' that were there achieved,
Above, below, around<on every side,
On pillar, dome, and floor, by taste and art."
While the General was in Philadelphia, every mark
of attention and respect, which gratitude could suggesty
was paid tP the illustrious visiter.
BALTIMORE.
The reception of the General, by the citizens of Balti
more, was no less splendid than that of her sister cities.
It would be impossible to detail every circumstance
that occurred here, as well as his intermediate visits to
Annapolis, Norfolk, Petersburg,Richmohd, Alexandria, to
Washington ahd Yorktown, without greatly exceeding
the limits prescribed to our work. At this place, how
ever, as in every other, something of a novel character
transpired. On the fort, where he first- landed, wa»
brought to his view, the tent of the immortal Washing
ton. His excellency Governor Stevens, here pronoun
ced an elegant address, which was as elegantly replied
to by the General. In alluding to the tent of WasH"
Ington, Gov. S. in his address, observes, " Beneath this'
venerable canopy, many a time, and oft, have you grasp
ed the friendly hand of our illustrious Washington, aided
his council with your animating voice, or shared with
him the hardy soldier's meal. The incidents which the
association so forcibly recals, however inspiring, it were
needless to dwell upon. The recollection of them fills
ihe mind with gratitude, a full measure of which is justly
due to you, as the generous companion of our fathers, the
gallant and disinterested soldier of liberty."
The following extract from the General's reply, evin
ces the lively feelings of his soul :—
" This tent, sir, under which I now answer your affec
tionate address, the monument erected to the memory
of our great and good commander in chief, the Golumn of
a later date, bearing testimony of a most glorious event,
my entrance in a city long ago dear to me, and now be-

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 187
jeouie so beautiful and prosperous, fill my heart with
sentiments in which you have had the goodness to sym
pathise." The Governor then conducted him to the tent where
the society of Cincinnati were assembled. He embra
ced them all. The scene was most impressive and
touching ; every face was bathed in tears,
He was afterwards addressed by Colonel Howard-
From the fort he proceeded to the city in a barouche,
drawn by four black horses, escorted hy cavalry* On
his passing the store of Mr. Bool, in Market street, a
gun brig m miniature, named after the .daughters of the
General, Virginia and Carolina, elegantly .dressed in the
flags of all nations, fired a salute. The npvelty of the
scene elicited a roar of applause from the surrounding
multitude, and the approbation of our GUEST, On his
arrival at the council chamber, the Mayor .delivered an
excellent address, and received as excellent a reply.
Another circumstance, which must have been pleasing
to the General, as it was urbane and honorable on the
part of the deputation of Baltimore, is, that in this city,
he was unexpectedly associated wjth the Hon. JOHN
QUINCY ADAMS, who was on his way to the seat of
Government. Wheri statesmen,, like LAFAYETTE
and ADAMS meet ; the one an instrument, under orpr
nipotence, of relieving a suffering and injured people
from bondage ; and the other, of perpetuating, and ad
hering to the sacred principles of national right, and*
civil liberty, we perhaps behold two of the brightest
stars in the constellation of freedom. The city, in the
evening, was brilliantly illuminated, and the whole scene
was cheerful, and interesting, During his visit to this
city, he received addresses from the French residents in
the place ; from the University of Maryland, (who also
^conferred the honorary degree of doctor of laws,) and
others ; to all which he replied with feeling and affec
tion. His visit to the Uraverity was peculiarly interest
ing ; the diploma presented to him was accompanied by
a silver box for it6 inelosure. He was also presented
with a diploma of the Agricultural Society. After his

j|88 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
return from the University, he received the visits of the
ladies at his apartments. He also dined with the Cim
cinnati of Maryland. He visited the museum, the ma
sonic hall, arid the Cathedral. It is a remarkable fact,
that on the identical spot where the cathedral is erected,
was pitched the tent of Lafayette in the revolutionary
war. We shall close the visit to Baltimore, with the
following interesting address and answer.
About nine o'clock' on Monday morriing, General La
fayette was waited on, at his apartments, by a number of
clergymen of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On be
ing presented, the Rev. Mr. Merwin delivered the fol
lowing address.
' " General,-^-W e salute you as the ministers of the gos
pel, and present ourselves before you as the representa
tives of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city and
precincts of Baltimore. We cohgratulate you, sir, on
your safe arrival in our happy Country, we greet you
with a hearty welcome. And be assured, sir, that we
participate in the general and heartfelt joy of our fellow
citizens at your visiting this country. We respect your
character, feel grateful for your services, and rejoice in
that liberty, civil and religious, which you risked
your life to procure. [Here the General seized the hand
of the speaker.] We, sir, are the ministers of a peaceful
gospel. [The General again grasping the hand of Mr.
Merwin, with both of his,' exclaimed, " Yes, it is a
peaceful gospel ! It destroys all animosity, it harmonizes
all hearts,'"] Mr. Merwin proceeded, "A peaceful gos
pel which has for its ribjept the present, future, and
eternal happiness of man ; and we most devoutly pray,
that you may share in its richest blessings, that your fu
ture days may be crowned with honor, that your end
may attain that eternal life that remaineth to the people
of God."
The General still holding Mr. Merwin's hand within
both his, immediately replied, and with evident token of
deep interest : —
" I am happy, sir, to receive this mark of respect from
the ministers of a peaceful gospel, and I am sorry I hoTr"

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE- 189
iPpt time more fully to express to you the pordiality with
which I receive this evidence of your respect."
Mr. Merwin then introduced an aged and venerable
minister, who, embracing the h.and of the General, ob-
• served, " I had the happiness to see you, General, when
you were in circumstances less favorable and pleasant
than you are now ; I saw you, Sir, when you came into
Philadelphia, wounded, from the battle of Brandy wine."
Here the General, in the fullness of his heart, said to the
venerable minister, " I am glad to see you, my respected
old friend ; | hope God will bless you." [Clasping him
with both hands.] Each minister was then severally in
troduced by Mr. Merwin, and shook the hand of the
General, with every mark of attention and esteem.
A gentleman, at the request of three ladies of FrederT
icktown, presented General Lafayette at the Exchange,
with a plant emblematic of their wishes, (life everlast
ing-) *

RECEPTION AT WASHINGTON.
The Guest of the nation arrived at the metropolis, qn
Tuesday, the 12th of October. He was received with
the splendor becoming the capitol of the nation, and
which reflected honor on the committee of arrangements.
The General's barouche was neatly and appropriately
decorated, and drawn by four elegant grey horses, hand
somely caparisoned, and led by four grooms, dressed ip
white, with blue sashes. A salute Avas fired on the arri
val of the procession, at the boundary lines.
The following is the order in which it entered the
capitol. Two Marshals,, in advance.
Marshal. Cavalry. Marshal.
Detachment of Marines.
Marshal. Gen. Smith's Jjjrigade, Marshal.

ISO

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

b
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Committee of arrangements.
Marshal in chief.
General Lafayette.

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The Genpral's suite.
Revolutionary officers,
Officers of the army and navy.
Officers of the militia.
Troop of cavalry.
Marshal. Company of artillery, • Marshal*
fnfaritry,
Faculty, and students of colleges.
Societies, and other associatioris.
Cavalcade of citizens.
The street, for upwards of two miles, was lined oil
each side, with citizens and strangers, in carriages and
on foot to welcome their benefactor and friend.
The eastern front of the Market-house, on the East
Capitol street, was formed into an arch, and decorated
with appropriate mottos and emblematic devices, and
. surmounted by a living eagle, who moved his wings at
the moment the General passed, as if stimulated by the
feelings of delight which animated all.
After passing under an arch tastefully decorated, the
General was met by twenty-five young ladies from nine
fo fourteen years of age, representing the twenty-four •
{States of the Union, and the District of Columbia.
This interesting little group was dressed in white and
blue sarsenet scarfs, and wreaths of roses around their
temples. Each bore a banner, designating the state
and district which she represented, They had been
previously escorted from Mr. Seaton's to the Capitol,
by some juvenile companies, in uniformr and topk their
station on both sides of the civic arch. As soon as the
General had entered, Miss Sarah M. Waterston, repre
senting the District of Columbia, and about eleven years
eld, advanced, and addressed him in the following
words :

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 191
" Gen, Lafayette — A new generation, as well as hew
cities and new states, have arisen to welcome thy re
turn to the land thy valor assisted to make free. In us,
Sir, you behold the youthful offspring of those whose
lives you protected, and whose safety you watched over,
in the hour of peril and amidst the conflicts of war. —
The young and the old, virgins and matrons, alike wel
come thee, as the gallant defender of their country — as
one, by whose generous assistance, we noAv enjoy the
blessings' of freedom. Our youthful bosoms heave with
emotions of gratitude, in beholding you, whose name
we have been taught to lisp with veneration, and our
hearts will never cease to cherish the recollection of
this interesting occasion. Accept, illustrious Chief, this
humble homage of our young, but grateful hearts — it is
all we can, and all we have to offer ; but our prayer is,
and ever will be, that your declining age may be pil
lowed by affection, and that peace and happiness, the
attendants of virtue may follow you to the tomb. Asso
ciate of our Washington, and friend of liberty, the Dis
trict delights to hail thee as its guest and in the name of
that district, I now welcome you to its capital. The
present generation esteem and honor you ; and millions,
yet unborn, will love and venerate your name."
The General appeared gratified at this manifestation
of gratitude in the beautiful and interesting group of
young ladies before hitn : and thanking them cordially,
and with deep emotion, he shook hands with each, and
passed on, through an avenue formed by the male and
female scholars of the seminaries of the city, extending
from the civic arch to the Capitol.
Arrived at the Capitol, he was addressed by the May
or of the city in a feeling manner ; to which the Gener
al gave the following reply : —
The kind and flattering reception with which I am
honored by the citizens of Washington, excite the most
lively feeling of gratitude ; those grateful feelings, Sir,
at every step of my happy visit to the United States,
could not but enhance the inexpressible delight I have

192 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
enjoyed at the sight of the immense and Avonderful im
provements, so far beyond even the fondest anticipations
of a v/arm American heart ; and which, in the space of
forty years, have so gloriohsly evinced the superiority of
popular institutions, and self-government, over the too
inperfect state of political civilization, found in every
part of the other hemisphere. In this august place,
which bears the most venerable of all ancient and mod
ern names, I have, Sir, the pleasure to contemplate, not
only a centry of that constitutional Union so necessary
to these states, so important to the interest of mankind;
but also a great political school, where, attentively 6b-
served from other parts of the world, may be taught
the practical scienceof true social order.
Among the circumstances of my life to which you have
been pleased to allude, none can afford me such dear re
collections as my having been early adopted as an Amer
ican soldier, so there is not a circumstance of my recep-'
tion in which I take so much pride, as in sharing those
honors with my beloved companions in arms. Happy I
am to feel that the marks of affection and esteem bes^
towed on me, bear testimony to my perservance in the
American principles I receive under the tent of Wash
ington, and of which I shall, to my last breath, prove
myself a devoted disciple. I beg you, Mr. Mayor, and
the gentlemen of the Corporation, to accept my respect
ful acknowledgments to you and to the citizens of Wash
ington." Dr. Cutting then pronounced an elegant Poetical ad
dress — which will be found aniCng our selections at the
end of the volume.
The General replied as follows :
" While I embrace you, Sir, and make my acknowlL
edgements to those of our Revolutionary comrades in
Avhose name you welcome me to this Metropolis, be as
sured that I reciprocate those kind expressions of attach
ment, which, from them, are peculiarly gratifying. And,
although in doing this, it cannot be expected that I
should command such beautiful language as you employ,

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE, 193
yet 1 speak from the bottom of my heart, when I assure
you, that the associations of time and place to which
you allude, exalt the interest which I shall ever feel in
your prosperity, and that of every meritorious individual
who belonged to the revolutionary army of the United
States. After having been addressed by the Mayor of
GeorgetoAvn, he Avas again conducted, through an im
mense assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, in the great
rotunda, to the eastern entrance of the north wing of the
Capitol, where he reviewed the fine uniform troops that
had previously escorted him from the boundary line of the
city. The General, escorted as before, now proceeded to
the President's house, where the President, and the civil,
military, and naval officers of the government received
him, with every demonstration of respect and attention.
VISIT TO THE TOMBOF WASHINGTON.
" The solemn and imposing scene of the visit of La-
favette to the tomb of Washington, took place on Sun
day the 17th inst. About one o'clock, the General left
the steam boat Petersburg at anchor, off Mount Vernon,
and was received into a barge manned and steered by
Captains of vessels from Alexandria, who had hand
somely volunteered their services for this interesting oc
casion. He was accompanied in the barge by his fami
ly and suite, and Mr. Secretary Calhoun. On reaching
the shore, he was received by Mr. Lewis, the Nephew
of Washington, and by the gentlemen of the family of
Judge Washington, (the Judge himself being absent on
official duties,) and conducted to the ancient mansion,
where, forty years ago, he took the last leave of his
" Hero, his friend, and our country's preserver." After
remaining a few minutes in the house, the General pro
ceeded to the vault supported by Mr. Lewis and the
gentlemen, relatives of the Judge, and accompanied by
G, W. Lafayette, and G. W. Custis, the children of
Mount Vernon both having shared the paterntal care of
25

194 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
the great Chief. Mr. Custis wore the ring suspended
from a Cincinnati ribbon. Arrived at the sepulchre, af
ter a pause, Mr. Custis addressed the General as fol
lows :
"Last of the Generals of the army of independence !
at this awful and impressive moment, Avhen, forgetting
the splendor of a triumph greater than Roman Consul
ever had, you bend with reverence over the remains of
Washington, the child of Mount Vernon presents you
with this 4oken, containing the hair of him, whom, while
living, you loved, and to whose honored grave you now
pay the manly and affecting tribute of a patriot's and a
soldier's tear.
The ring has ever been an emblem of the union of
hearts, from the earliest ages of the world, and this will
unite the affections of all the Americans, to the person
and posterity of Lafayette now and hereafter ; and when
your decendahts of a distant day shall behold this valu
ed relic, it will remind them of the heroic virtues of
their illustrious sire, who received it, not in the palaces
of princes or amid the pomp and vanities of life, but at
the laurelled grave of Washington. Do you ask —
Is this the Mausoleum, befitting the ashes of a Marcus
Aurelius, or the good Antoninus ? I tell you, that the
Father of his country lies buried in the hearts of his
countrymen, and in those of the brave, the good, the
free, of all ages and nations. Do you seek for the tabs
lets, which are to convey his fame to immortality ? —
They have long been written in the freedom and hap
piness of his country. These are the monumental tro
phies of Washington the Great,and will endure when the
proudest works of art have '* dissolved, and left not a
wreck behind."
Venerable man ! Will you never tire in the cause of
freedom and human happiness ? Is it not time that you
should rest from your generous labors, and repose on the
bosom of a country which delights to love and honor you,
and will teach her children's children to bless your name
and memory ? Sure where liberty dwells, there must
be the country of Lafayette !

TPUR OF LAFAYETTE. 195
Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, par
took of its meridian splendor, and oh ! let their children
enjoy the benign radiance of your setting sun ; and when
it shall sink in the horizon of nature, here, here with pi
ous duty, we will form your sepulchre, and united in
death, as in life, by the side of the Great Chief, you
Avill rest in peace, till the last trump awakes the slum
bering world, and calls your virtues to their great re*
ward. The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your
returned foot-print on our sands. The arms of millions
are opened wide to hug you to their grateful hearts, and
the prayers of millions ascend to the throne of Almighty
Power, and implore that the choicest blessings of Hea
ven Avill cheer the latter days of Lafayette."
The General having received the ring, pressed it to his
bosom, and replied:
" The feelings which, at this awful moment, oppress
my heart, do not leave me the poAver of utterance. I
can only thank you, my dear Custis, for your precious
gift, and pay a silent homage to the tomb of the greatest
and best of men, my paternal friend!"
" The ring is of solid gold, and perfectly plain but
neat AvOrkmanship. On the surface, the following in
scription is engraved. „ LAFAYETTE. 1777
Pro novi orbis libertafe
decertabat Juvenis.
Invenit, 1824."
The General affectionately embraced the donor, and
t he other three gentlemen, and gazing intently on the
receptacle of departed greatness, fervently pressed his
lips to the door of the vault, while tears filled the fur
rows in the veteran's cheeks. The key was noAV appli
ed to the lock — the door flew open, and discovered the

196 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. »
coffins, strewed with flowers and evergreens. The Gen
eral descended the steps, and kissed the leaden cells
Avhich contained the ashes of the great Chief and his
venerable consort, and then retired in an excess of feel
ing which language is too poor to describe.
After partaking of refreshments at the house, and
making a slight tour in the grounds, the General return
ed to the shore. Previous to re -embarkation, Mr. Custis
presented the Cincinnati ribbon which had borne the
ring to the vault, to Major Ewell, a veteran of the rev
olution, requesting him to take a part of it, and divide
the remainder among the young men present, which was
done, and a generous struggle ensued for the smallest
portion of it.
The same barge conveyed the General to the Peters
burg, the marine band playing as before a strain of
solemn music. The vessel immediately proceeded on
her voyage to Yorktown.
Not a soul intruded upon the privacy of the visit to
the Tomb ; nothing occurred to disturb its reverential
solemnity. The old oaks which grow around the sep
ulchre, touched with the mellowed lustre of autumu, ap
peared rich and ripe, as the autumnal honors of Lafay
ette. Not a murmur was heard, save the strains of
solemn music, and the deep and measured sound of artil
lery, which awoke the echoes around the hallowed
heights of Mount Vernon.
'Tis done ! the greatest, the most affecting scene of
the grand drama has closed, and the pilgrim who now
repairs to the Tomb of the father of his country, will
find its laurels moistened by the tear of Lafayette."
It has been asserted with the utmost gravity and con
fidence, (and 1 believe has never been contradicted,)
that on the passage of the General to York, an Eagle,
the bird of Jove, "flew from the bluff, about two miles
below Alexandria, and hovered over the steam boat
Petersburg, which the General Was on board of. It fol
lowed him to Mount Vernon; and, we are told continu
ed flying over the tomb of Washington, to which the

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 197
General was devoting his soul with the holy feelings of
grief. It seemed to have an inspiration in its actions. It
would not quit the scene. It displayed those feelings
which would seem to indicate that it was a special mes- .
senger, sent to welcome our illustrious guest on his visit
to the sacred repose of the first of men — his friend and
the friend of mankind. After the General had fulfilled
his pious devotions, this bird, representing the gratitude
of the nation, and emblematically the spirit of Washing
ton, took its final departure from that spot which con
tains the relics of Lafayette's dear companion."
CELEBRATION AT YORKTOWN.
On Tuesday, the 19th of October, the anniversary of
the battle of Yorktown was celebrated in the most
brilliant manner. The following sketch from a Rich
mond paper will afford the reader some idea of the no
ble scene.
" Thp village itself, though small, is in respectable
trim. The water view is peculiarly fine. It is one
large beautiful stretch of water above and below. The
eye takes in several miles above. Nearly opposite to
ihe town, is Gloucester town, to which Cornwallis, when
pressed by the siege, attempted in vain to fly ; a storm
drove his boats back. Below, you catch a vieAV of the
mouth of York river, about twelve miles, and a glimpse
of the bay beyond it. The river itself is enlivened by
several steam-boats ; among others, the fine U. S. frig
ate, from Baltimore, with several passengers ; and
smaller vessels, bringing visiters from various rivers.
The banks of the river at Yorktown, are bold, lofty, and
commanding in their view. The town itself, and the
country around it for a short distance, is plain, until it
rises into small hills. A few yards beyond the edge of
the town to the East, you see the nearest British lines ;
the mounds of the entrenchments, and the ditch : the
mound, considerably sunk from the tread of cattle, and
the washing of the rains ; and the ditch rapidly filling
up. Near a mile to the east of the lines, the committee

198 TOUR OF1 LAFAYETTE.
have erected three temporary works : a triumphal arch
at the Rock Redoubt, which Hamilton and Lafayette
stormed, and where General Taylor, at the head of the
froops, is to address Lafayette. An obelisk at the scite
of the Redoubt, which Viominil stormed, say a quarter
of a mile apart ; and farther to the south, another obe"
lisk on the famous spot where General O'Hara offered
to deliver up his sword to General Washington. Ahd
in this direction, the soldiers tents are erected, the field
where the troops are to be reviewed ; and the stands
erected for the accommodation of the ladies, to see the
review. These, with the transparencies to be exhibited, the
beautiful and lofty marquee, Avith its centre and its three
wings, (two to the right and left of the circular centre,
and the other running towards the river,) sent from
Richmond, and erected on a commanding spot near the
bank of the river, in front of General Lafayette's head
quarters ; the tent of Washington, has been prepared
by the committee of arrangements to embellish the
scene. Forty three years ago, the toAvn presented the spec
tacle of a subdued enemy, marching out, with hearts
dejected, and spirits humbled. JYow, what a sight
bursts upon the view ! A free people, teeming with
life, and the fullness of joy, Avere arrayed on the heights,
or met on the beach, by the gallant stranger, who had
risked his all in their cause. Early in the forenoon* the
Norfolk and Baltimore steam boat Virginia went down
to the spit, about 12 miles, to receive the distinguished
guest. Messrs. B. Basset, B. W. Leigh, General
Brodnax, Mr. Robert G. Scott, and a number of ladies,
accompanied by the chief justice, Judge Brooke, Cols*
McLane and Fish, went in her. He was in the Pe
tersburg, Avhich conveyed him from Alexandria, accom
panied by Cols. Harvie and Peyton, the governor's aids.
As soon as the boats approached, Colonels Bassett
and Jones put offin a barge, and conveyed the illustrious
stranger to the Virginia. He was then introduced t©

TOUR .OF LAFAYETTE. 1 99
the three members of the committe, when Mr. Leigh
delivered an eloquent address, in the most touching
manner. General Lafayette answered, (in substance,) I assure
you, sir, it gives me the highest pleasure to revisit Vir
ginia. The operations of the campaign to which you
have alluded, and all the success with which they Avere
attended, were not owing to any merit of the General
Avho was honored with the chief command, but to the
zealous support of the militia of the state, and of all or
ders of men. 1 pray you to tell your fellow citizens that
I shall be yet happier to meet them, than they are to
meet me ; and that it is particularly gratifying to meet
them at Yorktown. Your affectionate remembrance of
me is most gratifying to my heart, I thank you ; I
thank you all.
The General's attention to Mr. Leigh's address was
profound. His countenance dignified, and deeply inter
esting, reflecting the various sentiments, as they were
expressed by the orator. But when Mr. Leigh came to
" the boy cannot escape me," there was an archness in
his face which defies all description. As soon as he con
cluded, the band struck up Washington's march, and
the General was introduced to the guests. The water
view then became eminently picturesque. The beach
and heights covered with anxious spectators, and the
water prospect both near and distant, filled a variety of
vesselsj Avith streamers, flying. Down the river appear
ed six steam boats, with their majestic fronts, and their
columns of smoke breaking gradually to the view. As
they approached, the attention of the spectators ivas
solemn and profound. The Governor and council were
stationed on the temporary wharf (erected for the re
ception) in two lines, the judiciary, the revolutionary
patriots, officers of the army, invited guests, and citizens,
were arranged in the same manner ; leaving an avenue
open to the barouche, Avhich Avas destiped to receive
him-

200 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
A barge put off for the venerable hero, and soon
returned with him with his hat off, and his countenance
exhibiting the most intense interest. After landing
with his companions, he was introduced to the Gover
nor, who delivered the following excellent address : —
" Gen. Lafayette :
Sir, — On behalf of the people of Virginia, I tender to
you a most cordial and hearty welcome to our state.
In you, we recognize the early, the steadfast, the con
sistent friend. Whilst the United States in general, owe
you so large a debt of gratitude, for the liberal tender
of your purse, your person, and your blood, in their be
half, the state of Virginia is, if possible, still more deeply
indebted to you. You were her defender in the hour
of her greatest trial. At the age of twenty four years,
with an army greatly inferior in numbers, and still more
in equipments and discipline, you conducted your military
movements with so much judgment, that the ablest offi
cer of the British army could never obtain the slightest
advantage over you ; and whilst that officer spent his
time in harrassing our distressed state, you manoeuvred
before him with the most unceasing Caution and vigi
lance, with a steady eye to that grand result, which
brought, the war to a crisis on the plains of York.
Forty three years from that period, we have the
happiriess to find you in our couutry, the vast improve
ment of which is the most conclusive evidence of the
correctness of the principles for which you contended
by the side of Washington.
I will conclude, sir, by the expression of a sentiment
which I believe to be strictly true ; it is, that no man
at any time, has ever received the effusions of a nation's
feelings, which have come so directly from the heart."
The General advanced, and, grasping the Governor's
hand, said, " I am gratified, sir, most highly gratified, by
the reception you have given me on the part of the state
of Virginia. The happy conduct, and the successful ter
mination of the decisive campaign, in Avhich you have the
goodness to ascribe to me so large a part, were attribui

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. . 201
table, much more to the constituted authorities and peo
ple of Virginia, than to the general who was honored
with the chief military command* I have the liveliest
recollection of all the scenes of my services in this state,
and of all the men with whom it was my happiness and
honor to serve ; and happy as I was to assist and wit
ness the accomplishment of American liberty and inde
pendence, I have been yet happier in the assurance that
the blessings which have floAved from that great event,
have exceeded the fondest and most sanguine expecta
tions." On the morning of Tuesday, the procession, formed
from the triumphal arch, erected on the ruins of the
redoubt, about six yards distant from the bank of the
river. The interesting ceremony of the reception of
the General at this place, was very pathetic. Assisted
by the Governor and his aids, and the members of the
committee of arrangements, he advanced up the hillock,
which leads to the redoubt. A large and respectable
column of officers and citizens followed. When the
General arrived at the arch, General Taylor advanced,
saluted him with profound respect, and pronounced the
following elegant and eloquent address : —
" General, — On behalf of my comrades, I bid you wel
come. They come to greet you with no pageantry, in
tended to surprise by its novelty, or dazzle by its splen
dor, but they bring you, General, an offering, which
wealth could not purchase, nor power constrain. On
this day, associated with so many thrilling recollections,
on this spot, consecrated by successful valor, they come
to offer you this willing homage of their hearts.
Judge, General, of their feelings at this moment, by
your own. Every thing around them speaks alike to
their senses and sensibilities. These plains, where the
peaceful ploughshare has not yet effaced the traces of
military operations ; these half-decayed ramparts, this
ruined village, in which the bombs' havoc is stij! every
26

202 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE;
where visible, tell us of past warfare ; and rehaind us of
that lopg, arduous, and doubtful struggle, on the issue of
which depended the emancipation of our country.
On yonder hillock,' the last scene of blood was closed
by the surrender of an army ; and the liberty of our
nation permanently secured. With what resistless elo
quence does it persuade our gratitude and admiration for
the gallant heroes, to whose noble exertions we owe
the countless blessings which our free institutions have
conferred upon us ?.
The spot on which we stand, was once a redoubt, oc
cupied by our enemy. With how rapid a pencil does
imagination present the blobming chieftain, by whom it
was rescued from his grasp ! Can we be herCj and for
get* that, superior to the prejudices which then enchain
ed even noble ininds; he perceived in the first ahd al
most hopeless struggles of a distant and obscure colony,
the movement of that moral power, which was destined
to give a neAV direction and character to political institu
tions, and to improve human happiness ? Can we for
get, that, deaf to the solicitations of power, of rank, and
of pleasure, with a noble prodigality, he gave to our
country his sword, his treasure, and the influence of his
example ?"
And when in the aged warrior who stands before us
we recognize that youthful chieftain, with what rapidity
does memory retrace the incidents of his eventful life ?
With what pleasure do we see his manhood realize the
promise of his youth? In Senates or in Camps, in the
palaces of Kings, or in their dungeons, we behold the
same erect and manly spirit. At one time tempering
the licentiousness of popular feeling ; at another res
training the extravagance of power ; and always re
gardless of every thing but the great object of his life,
the moral and political improvement of mankind.
General — In the brightest days of antiquity, no arti
ficial stimulous of rank or power, or wealth was required
to excite noble minds to acts of generous daring. A
wreath of laurel or of oak was at once the proof and

TPUR OF LAFAYETTE. XvJ

the reward of illustrious merit. For this, statesmen
meditated, warriors bled, and eloquence soared to its
sublimest heights. The prize was invaluable ; for, it
was won only by merit. It detracted, however, some
what from its worth,, that it was conferred by the par
tiality of compatriots, and in the ferver of admiration in
spired by recent success.
Your life, General, illustrious throughout, in this also
is distinguished.— rTime which dims the lustre of ordina
ry merit, has rendered yours more brilliant. After a
lapse of near half a century, your triurpph is decreed by
the sons of those who witnessed your exploits.
Deign, then General, to accept the simple but expres
sive token of their gratitude and admiration. Suffer
their leader to place upon your veteran brow the only
crown it would not disdain to wear, the blended em
blems of civil worth and martial prowess. It will not
pain you, General, to perceive some scattered sprigs of
melancholy Cypress intermingled with the blended
leaves of laurel and oak. Your heart would turn from
us with generous indignation, if on an occasion like this,
amid the joyous acclamations which greet you every
where, were heard no sighs of grateful recollection for
those gallant men avIio shared your battles, but do not,
cannot share your triumph. The wreath which our
gratitude has woven to testify our love for you, will lose
nothing of its fragrance or its verdure, though time hang
upon its leaves some tears of pious recollection of the
friends of your early youth ; iri war, the avenger, in
peace, the father of his country.
In behalf then, of all the chivalry of Virginia : on this
redoubt, which his valour wrested from the enemy at
the point of the bayonet ; I place on the head of Major
General Lafayette this wreath of double triumph —
won by numerous and illustrious acts of martial proAvess,
and by a life devoted to the happiness of the human race.
In their names, I proclaim him alike victorious in arms
and acts of civil polity. In bannered fields, a hero- -in
civil life the benefactor of mankind." ,

204 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
Lafayette was deeply affected. There was a solemn
earnestness in his manner, a touching sensibility m his
whole countenance, which most deeply impressed every
observer. Many wept«r— all were moved. When Gen*
eral T. had closed his address, he was about to fix \ the
civic wreath upon the General's head. But the consider
ate veteran, always himself, always attentive to the slight
est proprieties of word and action, caught the hovering
Avreath as it approached his broAV, and respectfully bow-i
ing dropped it to his side, when he thus replied :
" I most cordially thank you, my dear General, and
your companions in arms, for your affectionate welcome,
your kind recolfectious, and the flattering expressions of
your friendship. Happy I am to receive them on these
already ancient lines, where the united arms of America
and France have been gloriously engaged in a holy alli
ance, to support the rights of American independence,
and the sacred principle of the sovereignty of the peo
ple. Happy also, to be so welcomed on the particular
spot where my dear light infantry comrades acquired one
of their honorable claims to public love apd esteem- You
know, sir, that in this business of storming redaubts, with
unloaded arms, and fixed bayonets, the merit of the deed
is in the soldiers who execute it, and to each of them. I
am anxious to acknowledge their equal share of honor,
Let me, however, with affection and gratitude, pay a
special tribute to the name of Hamilton, who commanded
the attack, to the three field officers who seconded
him, Gimat, Laurens, and Fish, the only surviving one,
my friend now near me. In theii name, my dear Gene
ral, in the name of the light infantry, those we have lost,
as well as those who survive, and only in common with
them, I accept the crown with Avhich you are pleased to
honor us, andl offer you the return of the most grateful
acknowledgments." When he had closed, he gave a new proof of the ra
pidity of his conceptions,' the generosity of his soul, the
uniform modesty of his character. The very moment, he
concluded, (never having been prepared for such a

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 205
scene, never having seen the address, never having sus
pected the presentation of the wreath, he turned
round, and drew Col. Fish, to the front. "Here," he
exclaimed, " half of this wreath belongs to you." " No
sir, it is all your own." " Then," said Lafayette, put
ting it into Colonel F's hand, " take it, and preserve it as
our common property"
On the introduction of Colonel William J. Lewis, at
the tent of Washington, to the General, he pronounced
the following excellent address : —
" General Lafayette,
" The sons of the mountains join most cordially their
low land brethren, in welcoming your return to this
country ; they are the more delighted at this particular
period, because, after an absence of about forty years,
you will now be a witness of the happy effects of self
government, founded on the natural rights of man ;
rights, which you so nobly contributed to establish. Little
did you think, when, in youthful age, you voluntarily put
your life in your hand, and crossed the stormy billows of
the deep to fight and bleed for the independence of
America, that the results would have been so Wonderful.
At that period, we were only a handful of people ; for
in every thing of military import, except an invincible
love and attachment for liberty, we fought, and thanks
to Lafayette, and his native nation, we conquered ! Now
we see the result : we have nearly, by the offspring of
our own loins, increased to more than 10,000,000 of
people, cleared the immeasurable forests of savages, and
wild beasts, and in their places are cultivating rich fields,
building villages, towns, and cities : our commerce is
spread over every sea, and Pur navy rides triumphant on
the ocean. Such are the effects of free government,
founded on equal rights : supported by wise and merci
ful laws, faithfully executed ! There is but one alloy to
our pleasure of meeting you ; we dread your return to
Europe. The despots of that Country envy your in
creasing glory, founded on virtue which they cannot imi
tate, and their political fears may again incarcerate you

206 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
in the grated walls of a dungeon ! Stay then with us,
Lafayette ; stay with us : here in every house you will
find a home, and in every heart a friend : we will with
filial affection, rock with gentleness , the cradle of your
declining age ; and when it shall please the God of uni
versal nature to call you tp himself, crowned with the
blessings of, at least, one free and riiighty nation, we will
then with holy devotion, bury your bones by the side of
your adopted and immortal father, and moisten your
tomb with the tears of love and gratitude."
(Signed) WILLIAM J. LEWIS,
in behalf of himself, and other, sons of tke mountains.
The costnme and Avhole appearance of Colonel Lewis,
were striking and interesting. He had on the mountain
dress. On the conclusion of the address, the General
grasped him with both hands, and in the most touching
manner, begged him to convey to his mountain friends
his most affectionate acknowledgments for this testimony
of their kindness. He recounted the services which
their gallantry had formerly rendered him. He dwelt
¦with delight upon the interest they now manifested in
his happiness.
The whole scene was strongby marked by the moral
sublime. This ceremony being oyer, the grand review
commenced. Lafayette stood near the arch, and the
volunteer companies, and the United States troops passed
him in regular succession, with flags flying, and music
floating in the air. The troops then formed themselves
again in line. He was carried to the obelisk, situated on
the spot where Viominel had stormed the second re
doubt. The review over, and Lafayette having seen,
and been seen, by all the troops, he mounted his ba
rouche, in company with the Governor, and was followed
by the other carriages. The whole body of military
and citizens then moved to the field, near to which the
British troops had grounded their arms in '81. Between
them and the amphitheatre, where at least 1000 ladies
$at, the barouche passed on near to the ladies, who con.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 207
tinued to w_ve their white handkerchiefs as he slowly
moved on. " Ladies, receive my warm thanks for your
kind welcome," was constantly upon his lips.
The whole scene defies description. Here were the
fields, which, forty three years ago, had witnessed the
tread of a conquered enemy. A thousand associations
of this description rushed upon the mind. Now, filled
with an animated arid joyous throng of from ten to fifteen
thousand persons.
Lafayette was aftewards escorted by all the troops,
to his quarters, where, with an overflowing number of
guests he sat down to the table at 5 o'clock. The large
marquee was nearly filled with guests. A circular ta
ble ran around the centre ; two parallel rows of tables
extended through each of the wings. General Taylor
presided, on the right of whom sat General Lafayette. — .
The marquee was splerididly illuminated, and adorned
with two handsome transparencies ; and it may be a
matter of curiosity to some persons to learn that the
lights set before General Lafayette, were fine wax can
dles which had been discovered among the United States
stores by Col. Eustis, and ascertained to have been
found among the stores „ of Lord Cornwallis, captured
43 years before at Yorktown.
After dinner^ about forty patriotic sentiments were giv
en ; among which were the following. By Judge R.
E.Parker. The French Chevalier — Sans peur et sans
reproche* By General Macomb — The ladies of Vir
ginia — Like her free and independent citizen soldiers,
will receive every where the Hero of Yorktown, with
presented arms. At nine o'clock, the company rose from
the table, and retied to the open fields east of the
town, to witness the splendid exhibition of fire works,
prepared at the public expense for the general gratifi
cation. General Lafayette was present, seated on one
of the old British embankments. The arches, obelisks/
transparencies, and paintings almost defy description.* —
The triumphal civic arch at Yorktown, was erected on
*Wit_out fear, and without reproach.

208 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
the point in honor of Lafayette, at the situation, which
he stormed, and succeeded in taking on the 19th of Oc
tober, 1781.
The whole building Avas surmounted by an entablature,
forty feet from the ground, supported by four pilasters
of the tuscan order, and an attic flight of steps in the
centre. Upon which rested an Eagle of five or six feet
in height supporting a large civic wreath after the man
ner of the one at St. Stephen's Chapel at Rome, the
eagle cut out of wood and painted in imitation of white
marble. The whole front painted of a light brown stone
colour. The pilasters, entablature, figures, and other
ornaments were painted to resembled white marble. —
The harmony and contrast thus produced formed a
pleasing effect on the eye. The uncommon beauty of
the scenery was beyond description, forming a grand
whole — rarely or seldom ever to be met with.
This arch was forty feet in front, containing a base
ment story of rusticated works. The arch rising to the
height of twenty-four feet, the abutments of the arch or
namented Avith the figures of fame and victory, over the
key stones, which were thirteen in number, on which
was placed a star on each, to denote the thirteen orig
inal states. The Wings on each side had the represen
tation of Niches. Those in the basement story of the
Fasces (an emblem of unity) with Helmets, Battle axes,
and other implements of war. Those above contained
statues of liberty, trampling on tyranny, and the figure
of justice, over which were placed the names of Laurens
and Hamilton, (aids to Lafayette at the time of his
storming the redoubt.)
There were also two obelisks ; one erected on the
spot which was stormed by Viominel the other where
the sword of Cornwallis was delivered up. They were
twenty six feet in height, and surmounted by a Fasces,
and Battle axe, often feet, and painted to resemble stone.
The transparencies and paintings are represented as ex
ceedingly well executed, and produced a fine effect.

Tour of lafayette. „J09
The following anecdote, during the siege of Yorktown,
may be appropriately added in this place.
While the fleet of Count de Grasse was blockading the
harbor to prevent supplies from reaching the British, the
Count received positive orders from France to proceed
to St. Domingo, at a certain date. General Washington,
well knowing, that upon the fleet depended his chance of
success, went personally on board the Ville de Paris, the
flag ship of De Grasse, and endeavored, by every
means in his power, to delay his departure ; but in vain ;
the Count showed his written orders, where it appeared,
that the time had already elapsed. General Rocham
beau next went ; but with no better success. In this
dilemma, the youthful, the virtuous, the great Lafayette
determined to use his influence in behalf of his adopted
country. " Remain," said he, " and I will bear you safe
to the king : remain, and I Avill bear the brunt of his dis
pleasure." The Count at last consented ; the enemy's
fleet was kept out ; the town surrendered ; and liberty
was proclaimed to distressed America.
Though the occurrences at Yorktown were mostly of a
serious nature, there was, nevertheless, something of
amusement mixed with them. On the night the Gene
ral arrived at Yorktown, it Avas proposed to him to walk
out on the remains of the British ramparts, to enjoy a
Serspective view of the illumination in camp, &c. Col.
IcLane of Delaware, a rare old soldier of about seventy
three, silently stole from the company, got first to the
rampart, shouldered a cornstaljc, and mounted guard. On
the approach of the General and his part)', they were
challenged, in a bold and soldierlike manner ; and upon
answering " friends," were ordered to advance, and give
the countersign. Colonel Fish advanced, and gave, LA
FAYETTE ; but this would not do. " Sergeant of the
guard, here ! quick !" was now called. What was to be
done ? Colonel Fish again advanced, and recollecting the
ever memorable countersigns of 1781, gave " Rocham^
beau" " Paris" &c. " Pass on," was the word. In a
moment the joke was discovered, the old soldier grasped
27

210

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.

by the hand, when a hearty laugh ensued, which no one
enjoyed more heartily than Lafayette.
On the evening of Wednesday, about dark, he left
York for the town of Williamsburg, which was illumina
ted for his reception, and he was received by its citizens
with open arms It was his intention to spend Thurs
day at this celebrated spot, visit Green Spring the next
day, and embark at James Town for Norfolk.
The reception of the General at Norfolk, Richmond,
Petersburg, Alexandria, and other places, was splendid
beyond description. In all places, all hearts were open to
receive him with affection, gratitude, and veneration.
After participating of the hospitality and friendship of
Mr. Jefferson at Monticello, and Mr. Madison at Mont-
pelier ; and making a visit to Washington on the open
ing of the next Congress, it is believed he will visit South
Carolina and New Orleans ; proceed up the Missisippi
and Ohio rivers, to Pittsburg, making intermediate calls
on his way. From thence cross to the Lake of Erie,
and the western part of the state of New York ; view
the falls of NIAGARA, &c. and return to the metropo
lis of Massachusetts in June, 1825. Probably after the
commemoration of the battle of Bunker Hill, he will
proceed on his eastern tour, and on his way visit the
town of PORTLAND.
It ought to have been observed on a previous "page*
that invitations were forwarded to the two venerable
ex- Presidents, to bp present at the Yorktown celebra
tion, but they declined ; one on account of illness and dis
tance, the other from obstacles which would not admit of
a compliance, &c.
He will remain in the United States to witness the
enthusiasm of the people, on the next anniversary of the
declaration of independence, and then, contrary to all our
wishes, embark for France. But let us hope that cir
cumstances may change this lamented ultimatum.

TOUR OF LAFAYETTE. 211
CONCLUDING REMARKS OF THE AUTHOR.
Such has been the reception, with which General La
fayette has been greeted, by the citizens of the United
States, after an absence of upwards of forty years. —
What reflecting mind can have beheld the spectacle,
without imagining its probable influence upon other coun
tries, as well as our own ? It might have been thought
by some who have so often read the motto of, " Repub
lics are. ungrateful," that, after the independence of our
country had been secured, and the first moments of en
thusiam at the conquest abated, the expressions of sen
sibility would have subsided, and that time Avould sober
dpwn our gratitude into indifference. Such, however, are
not the reflections of true patriotism, sterling honor, or
genuine glory ; but only those of the enemies of free
dom. The universal shout of joy, bursting from the
hearts of ten millions of freemen, on the arrival of our
illustrious guest, the defender of liberty and the rights
of man in two hemispheres, stands as a monumental pledge
that the independence he fought to achieve will not be
speedily surrendered, or impaired. Wherever the
Tour of this immortal patriot and civilian shall be read,
foreigners must realize the value of those sacred princi
ples, which could call forth the expression of a nation's
feelings, approbation and love, after an absence of nearly
half a century. The Republics of South America, will
duly appreciate the example ; and their citizens will
be animated to fresh deeds of enterprise and valor. —
And it will teach the leaders of Revolutions to be faith
ful in the cause of freedom. It would not surprise us,
(notwithstanding the hypocritical cant, and unmeaning-
abuse, heaped upon our country by the periodical jour
nals in Europe, for our gratitude to Lafayette,) if by this,
freedom should be again encouraged to rear her head,
where Royalty and despotic power now triumph over
the principles of justice and the rights of man !
Hoav loathsome, how disgusting must the conduct of
the Emperor of Austria appear in the eyes of the world,
who could for three years, immure in a dungeon the
General who now lives in the affections often millions of

212 TOUR OF LAFAYETTE.
freemen ! And how pitiful the insignificant persecu
tions of some few petty tyrants in France, towards the
man who had rendered to that nation such important ser
vices, and at the moment too, when he was about to vis
it that country Ayho had adopted him as one of her own
sons !
While we behold in Europe an alliance, hypocritical
ly denominated holy, the ostensible object of which is, to
forge chains for the very subjects it is bound to protect, we
observe in this western hemisphere a real holy alliance
of free states, extending the blessings of liberty to every
citizen, protecting him in the possession of property, and
all his natural and social rights. Contrasts like these,
when fairly presented to the world, must possess a pow
erful influence in strengthening the cause of liberty wher
ever it exists.
When the citizens of the United States were led to
anticipate the arrival of this great man among us, they
looked forward to the event with feelings of the strong
est enthusiasm. The participation in the glow of virtu
ous sentiment, Avas not limited to one city, to one state,
or to one portion of our country ; it was universal. —
He has been received with open arms. The aged war
rior has gone forth to welcome the companion of his
toils, and the young have hailed him as the friend of
their fathers. Wherever he has been, crowds have sa
luted him ; and the wisest and best of our citizens have
pressed him to their bosoms. The only free nation on
the globe has received with acclamation the generous
foreigner, the adopted son, who so nobly, and so essen
tially contributed to make us free. The scene has re
sembled that related in history, as between Timoleon
and the people of Corinth. It has kindled the brightest
flame that ever warmed our citizens : it has revived the
spirit of '71, and the patriotism which it kindled. Where
our illustrious Guest once saw forests, he now beholds
cities ; and the fields he left covered with wood, now
rise up to his view in a high state of cultivation, with all
their embellishments. Such are the miricles produced
by Liberty !

The following poetic effusions have been selected from various
periodical journals. The author has endeavored to cull the best
from among the great number that have been published.
atrrfbal ot dSenevul Hategette.
SEE ! they furl the welcome sail,
Freemen's shouts his ear assail,
More than thrice three millions hail.
Welcome Lafayette !
Hark ! along th' Atlantic shore,
Wake, as never wak'd before,
Shouts, and peals, and cannon'* roar,
See ! the friends are met !
Brother he and friends in arms ;
Sharer once in their alarms,
Now within a people's arms
See their Lafayette !
E'er did pomp, or pride, or power
Claim or boast so bright an hour ?
Wore they e'er a laurel flower
Hands so nobly set ?
No, it's not a rabble rout ;
No, it's not a hireling's shout ;
Freemen's voices now speak out,
" Welcome Lafayette !"
Freemen speak in friendship's name ;
This is freedom's full acclaim :
Not a breast but feels the flame
Of love for Lafayette.

214

POETRY.

Who is he could boast he knew
Ev'ry heart to him was true ?
Not a foe the nation through,
Who but Lafayette ?
Those who mount triumphal cars,
Conquerors, and Kings, and Czars,
Envy, hate, the triumph mars,
Tears the laurels wet.
Read the long historic page,
See the Prince, the Hero Sage,
Public shouts with private rage,
Round them all have met.
Who had thought to see again
Him who won us many a plain ?
Yet for us he dares the main,
Bids the sails be set.
Now he sees the Boston dome :
Now he feels his heart at home,
What were all thy triumphs, Rome,
Now lo Lafayette !
See o'er Bunker's honor'd height
Hangs the wreath of red and white !
Hangs at once an,id the fight,
Foes remembered yet.
Welcome here our country's friend !
Welcome too till life shall end,
When with our's. your dust shall blend,
When in death we meet ;
Then a nation's tears should fall ;
Grateful hearts should spread your pall ;
Honor'd, lov'd and wept by all
Were our Lafayette.
Hence our babes shall lisp his name,
Hence our sons shall leara his fame,
Future ages long proclaim
Him remembered yet.

FROM THE NEW VORK COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER.
LAFAYETTE.
O deep was the gloom on our sad land descending,
And wild was the moan from the tempest's dread form ;
While the heroes and sires of our country were bending
Their souls to their God, and their brows to the storm.

POETRY. 21b
Who bounds to the shore from the dark bosom'd ocean,
In the sparkle and pride of his beauty and youth ?
His ardent mind burning, his soul all .devotion,
To the high cause of liberty, justice, and truth ?
He joins the bold band, who with spirits undaunted,
Strive to guard and to win, all man's bosom holds dear ;
It is done ! they have triumphed ! and Heaven has granted
Fair freedom to crown their majestic career.
How lovely the land, where the bright sun is flinging
The purple and gold from his throne in the west !
There millions of hearts in their gladness are singing,
There finds the poor exile contentment and rest.
The eagle thatrush'd on a torn, bloody pinion,
And soar'd to the sky 'mid the clamors of fight,
Now wings his proud way in untroubled dominion,
While the nations all silently gaze on his flight.
Who comes o'er the billow with head bent and hoary,
With full throbbing heart, and with glistening eye ?
Past years roll before him — the scene of his glory
Fills his heart with emotion, deep, solemn, and high.'
Great man ! thy lov'd name to the skies is ascending,
A name whose remembrance no time can destroy,
While gladness and grief are within us contending,
For all thou hast suffer'd, and all we enjoy.
We will rank thee with him, who was sent us by Heaven —
Ye shall meet in our hearts, as in glory ye met :
Spread, ye winds, the glad news ! to our wishes is given,
The friend of our Washinbton, brave Lafayette !
•WELCOME LAPAYETTE !
Welcome, Fayette !
To the land that was won
In part by your valor,
From slavery's chain —
And that well we remember
The deeds you have done,
You shall feel when you tread
On our green shores again.
Our last sun shall set,
Before we forget
With Washington's name,
Still to join Lafayette.
Yes, the Hero who bled
That our clime might be free,
As dear as the blood of
Our bosoms shall be.

216 POETRY.
When the storm-clouds of war
Gather'd black in the west,
At the first shout of " Freedom !"
That burst through the gloom ^
He left the bright home
Youth and beauty had blest,
To league with our fathers,
To share in their doom !
And when roll'd afar
Was that tempest of war,
And the eagle triumphant
Soared proud o'er each star,
He sought no reward,
No advantage to find,
But the sweet peace that virtue
Imprints on the mind.
Then, welcome, Fayette,
And, while gratitude burns
In hearts that have always
Been faithful as free,
While one recollection
Of peril returns,
In the mem'ry of millions
Immortal shall be
The hero and sage,
Who, in youth and in age,
Has been Liberty's champion
Through life's ev'ry stage.
Not a voice in the wide realm
You lov-'d will forget
To join the loud chorus of
Welcome Fayette !

Hafagettr.
Welcome veteran chief once more,
Welcome to Columbia's shore —
Sound thy trumpet, herald fame,
Echo loud the hero's name,
From Florida's remotest shore,
To where th' Atlantic billows roar,
Upon the ragged cliffs of Maine.
Hail ! that hero, who, when War,
Thunder'd vengeance from afar,
And o'er this western hemisphere,
Spread its minions far and near ;
Left his home without a sigh,
To battle, for our liberty ;
And here to conquer— or to die.

POETRY. 217
Welcome patriot chief once more,
Welcome to Bostonia's shore.
Let the trumpet's brazen throat
Swell aloud its highest note ;
Let the cannon echo high
To,the bright cerulean sky.
This day of jubilee, and rest ;
The welcome of a Nation's Guest.
Hail ! him, Bostonians, who did save
Thy houseless wanderers from despair,
When elemental* war did rage,
Threat'ning nor age, nor sex to spare,
Oh ! guide him to that Temple's hall,
Where cradled liberty did dwell ;
There as the infant sweetly smiled,
She pointed out a second Tell.
She pointed out Columbia's chief,
E'er yet Brittania's star had set ;
And bade arise those glorious suns,'
A Washington and Lafayette,
Who, with their high compeers in arms,
With Otis, Henry, Lee, did plan
That Magna Charta — freemen's boast,
The rights and liberties, of man.
Welcome, hoary chief, once more,
Welcome to fair freedom's shore.
Hail him, ye mothers — virgins hail !
He is the dear adopted son
Of him who sleeps in Vernon's vale-1-
Your country's Father — Washington. M****.
Cambridge, August, 1824.
FROM THE NEW YORE STATESMAN.
LAFAYETTE.
Hail, patriot, statesman, hero, sage !
Hail, freedom's friend ! hail, Gallia's son —
Whose laurels greener grew in age,
Plucked by the side of Washington !
Hail champion, in a holy cause,
When hostile bands our shores beset ;
Whose valor bade th' oppressor pause —
Hail, hoary warrior — Lafayette !
Forever welcome to the shore,
A youthful chief, thy footsteps pressed ;
And dauntless, want and peril bore,
?Alluding to relief given to the sufferers by a conflagration, during the rev
olution.
28

218 POETRY.
Till « VENf, VICI,"* decked thy crest !
Forever welcome, great and good,
The still small voice of gratitude
Shall bless the name of — Lafayette.
What monarch of despotic power,
Who fain would crush the freeborn brave
Whose glory, gilds a tottering tower,
Himself a subject and a slave ;
Would not, to view a nation's eyes ;
With joyous drops unbidden wet,
The pageantry of pride despise,
And grasp the hand oi— -Lafayette.
When'er the lips of youth inquire
The path to virtue, honor, fame —
To glory's temple proud aspire,
While warmly glows the ardent flame ; —
The voice of age shall fearless tell
What perils oft its path beset,
And prompt them onward by the spell
That urged the soul of — Lafayette.
And when the shades of death shall close
Forever round thy hallowed head,
We'll seek the place of thy repose,
By filial love and duty led ;
And hearts that beat in bosoms free,
(Gems by unerring wisdom set,)
The living monument shall be
Of freedom's champion — Lafayette.
BOSTON BARD.
* I came and conquered. '
WELCOSEE TO LAFAYETTE.
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette,
Our country's early aid,
Fair freedom's true unshaken fiiend,
To thee be honour's paid.
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette, % 
Welcome to our happy land,
Thou, who fought for liberty,
Our gratitude command.
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette,
Defender of man's dearest rights,
Participate the glorious prize,
And realize our choice delights.
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette,

POETRY. 219
Welcome to our shores again ;
Thou art worthy our esteem —
Every voice responds, amen.
[The following beautiful little effusion, first made its appearance,
about two yaars since, in the Connecticut Mirror. It travelled the
rounds of the papers at that time, every where meeting a kind re
ception ; and since the arrival of the illustrious individual who elicit
ed it has taken a second tour through the country. Some of the
Boston and Philadelphia papers have ascribed this production to Dr
Percival. This is a mistake. It was written by Mr. Brainard, the
editor of the Mirror,. — to whose prolific muse the public are indebted
for the many fine poetic effusions that appear in that paper.]
TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
We'll search the earth and search the sea,
To cull a glorious wreath for thee ;
And every field for freedom fought,
And every mountain-height, where aught
Of liberty can yet be,found,
Shall be our blooiiing harvest ground,
Laurels in garlands hung upon
Thermopylae and Marathon ; —
On'Bannockburn the thistle grows ; —
On Runnymead the wild rose blows ;
And on the banks of Boyne, its leaves
Green Erin's shamrock wildly weaves.
In France, in sunny France, we'll get
The fleur-de-lys and mignonettej
From every consecrated spot,
Where lies a martyr'd Hugenot : —
And cull even here, from many a field,
And many a rocky height,
Bays which our v; les and mountains yield,
Where men have met to tight
For law, and Liberty, and life,
And died in freedom's holy strife.
Below Atlantic seas— below
The waves of Erie and Champlain.
The sea-grass and the corals grow
In rostral trophies round the slain ;
And we can add, to form thy crown,
Some branches worthy thy renown.
Long may the chaplet flourish bright,
And borrow from the Heavens its light !
As with a cloud that circles round
A star, when other stars are set,
With glory shall thy brow be bound,
With glory shall thy head be crowned,
With glory -starlike cinctured yet : —

220 POETRY.
For air, and earth, and sky, and sea,
Shall yield a glorious wreath to thee.
PRESENTED BY THE CHILDREN OF HARTFORD,
Who were decorated with ribbons bearing the inscription,
" Nous vous aimons, Lafayette."
Welcome thou te freedom's clime,
Glorious Hero J Chief sublime !
Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd,
Vows of filial ardor breath'd,
Veterans' cheeks with tears are wet,
" Nous vous aimons, Lafayette."
Monmouth's field is rich with bloom,
Where thy warriors found their tomb ;
YORKTOWN'S heights resound no more,
Victor's shout, or cannon's roar ;
Yet our hearts record their debt,
" Nous vous aimons, Lafayette."
Brandywine, whose current roll'd,
Proud with biood of heroes bold,
That our country's debt shall tell,
Thai our gratitude shall swell ;
Infant breasts thy wounds regret,
" Nous vous aimons, Lafayette."
Sires, who sleep in glory's bed,
Sires, whose blood for us was shed,
Taught us, when our knee we bend,
Wifh the prayer thy name to blend.
Shall we e'er such charge forget ?
No ! — " Nous vous aimons, Lafayette."
When our blooming cheeks shall fade,
Pale with time or sorrow's shade ;
When our clustering tresses fair
Frosts of wintry age shall wear ;
E'.en till memory's sun be set,
" Nous vous aimons, Lafayette."
fLafagette,
IN THE TENT OF WASHINGTON.
I will rest in the war-house, that shelter'd the form
Of my hero, my friend, and his country's preserver— -.
That guarded his care-stricken head from the storm —
That caught the warm sighs of the patriot's fervor.
I will count, by the threads that I find in its woof,
The throbs, in his head and his heart that were beating,
While his thoughts were, when midnight enshrouded its roof,
Retrieving defeat, or a victory greeting.

POETRY. 221
I will sleep in the home of the soldier, and view
In my dreams, his achievements, unequall'd in story :
My visions the hopes of my youth shall renew,
Till I wake to the real iruition of glory.
CHILDHOOD,
PLEADING FOR THE STAY OF LaFAYETTB.
Ah ! wilt thou leave us, Warrior, say 1
Wilt thou again that ocean brave,
Where death so often seeks his prey,
And black destruction rolls his wave ?
What if our clime inclement prove,
And darkling clouds our sky deform ;
The sun of friendship, truth, and love,
Our Father's friend shall cheer and warm.
'Tis true, rude winds around us blow,
And tempests sweep our mountains rude;
But LAFAYETTE shall never know
The winter of ingratitude.
What shall we do ? How plead thy stay ?
But, surely, thou wilt not depart !
Our little hands shall bar the way,
And we will twine us round thy heart.'
We'll weave thee wreaths of beauteous flowers,
And gild then) with the rays of truth :
Thou shalt not count the fleeting hours,
Nor know but thou art still in youth.
Nay, Warrior, more : — When life shall close,
And time's eventful sands have run,
We'll bear thee to a blest repose,
Beside our Father,— WASHINGTON !
BOSTON BARD.
The following ode by Mr. Meslen of this State, will be read with
as much pleasure perhaps, as any that have preceded it. The au
thor commences with the following prose remarks.
[" Amid all the* congratulations and offerings which have been
heaped upon General Lafayette since his landing, I have seen noth
ing like a regular ode of welcome, which .might be considered as a
direct and unequivocal tribute to himself. There have been songs,
indeed, and lyrics, and poems — and beautiful poems too— elicited by
this glorious occasion ; but they have been rather general expres
sions of the national joy and gratitude, than a prompt and consecrat
ed offering of the heart to the individual hero. I have then thought

222

POETRY.

that so it came from the heart, a poetical tribute, however unpre
tending, would not be unacceptable to our guest, or my countrymen.
If to his own land I may seem to have been severe, I venture to
say, that my sentiment is but the echo of the 'millions' of our nation,
and that I am free to believe, as I deem it frank and generous, and
proper, to confess, that I referred only to those with whom Lafay
ette can leel no communion, and for whom, he is too noble and high-
minded a republican to have any other feeling than simple compas
sion ; and such is my faith in the liberality and justness of his mind,
that should this humble aspiration chance to meet his eye or his no
tice, I believe he would be the last to be offended at the numbers.]
THE AUTHOR.
<mt to 2La£a_»ette,
On the occasion of his visit to this country, August, 1824.
BY GRENVILLE MELLEN.
I.
Chief of the mighty heart ! all hail !
How art thou wafted on !
Loud freedom thundering on the gale
A nation's choral song '
Oh ! it is well to such as thee,
Our world should bend its iron knee,
To whom its (hanks belong:
What nobler homage hath it known,
Than when it bows to worth alone !
II.
Oh ! who hath seen an hour like thine,
Great Patriot of our land 1
When all the hearts of all the clime,
Acknowledge thy command !
Foul were the traitor-spirit here,
Would mock thee with an icy tear,
Or with a nerveless hand —
No, when we greet that bounding soul,
Our own would feel its pulses roll !
III.
Were not our fathers proud of thee,
When thy brightyears were young
And love was left for victory
When beauty round thee clung !
And shall the children thankless gaze
Upon the Father of their days,
Whose patriot soul was wrung,
To win in such a bold defence,
So splendid an inheritance !
IV.
Oh ! may our land forget us — ere
With such remembrance by,
We should so soulless linger here.

. i

POETRY. 223
Or so ignobly die !
The meanest heart that God has form'd
If not by such high memories storm'd
Sees no redemption nigh ;
It dies — as basest things have died,
On the black earth, to which it was allied.
V.
There is a virtue in thy fame,
The charm of patriot eyes ;
Out-glorying each less holy name
In peerless sacrifice !
The home — the hope — the prayers — the tears,
The ocean storm — the toil of years,
A cold world's injuries ;
Oh ! who could such a host forget,
Save thy unbroken soul, Fayette !
VI.
The Roman, when he sought the home
For which his blood was given,
Found still but hard imperial Rome,
In his triumphal heaven —
The hands and helms that battled on,
Thro' all her stormy Marathon,
From nobler Greece were driven —
But oh ! the pride that crowns thy years,
The triumph of a nation's tears !
VII.
This is the monarchy of soul !
Above the power of kings,
As high as those far lights that roll,
Above Earth's dimmer things !
Such godlike spirit has no peers
Among the wrecks of lowlier spheres —
It floats on bolder wings J
Oh ! whose beside thy star shall shine —
What splendor now can cope with thine !
VIII.
There is a roar upon the wave,
The thunder of our joy ;
O'er thee, the ardent, young and brave,
The gloiyous patriot boy,
Who sprang upon our iron shore,
To bathe his virgin blade in gore ;
To conquer and destroy.
— Long years'have pass'd above thy brow,
Thou com'st the hoary warrior now !
IX.
Young hands are clasp'd before thy form.
In innocence and prayer ;

224 , POETRY.
And age, that bore with thee the storm,
Comes in his snowy hair ;
And tears are wept — and palms are wrung,
And silence palsies the poor tongue —
The soul alone is there !
Oh ! ask not why the tear-drop starts—
What can contain the tide of hearts !
X.
Thy way is thro' the joyous ranks
Oi millions of the free ;
Oh ! how unlike those coward* Franks
Who would dishonour thee !
The shrinking billows of thy shore
As conscious of a curse they bore,
Went backward to the sea !t
But here, the tongues of all the waves
Roar ' welcome' o'er our foemen's graves !
XI.
Then welcome ! our immortal son,
¦ To freedom's heavenly ground,
Fair hands — bright beings wave thee on,
And shower their roses round !
Oh ! what had ancient conqueror's done,
To grasp the triumph thou hast won,
The glory thou hast found !
Go forth ! as great as thou art good !
Thine, is an Empire's gratitude !
The following is the address by Dr. Cutting, alluded to in a
peceding page of this work.
In life's gay morning, in the bloom of health,
Flush'd by each grace of love and gift of wealth,
When all that charms each sense, or hampers pride,
Thy rank embellish'd or adorn'd thy bride ;
'Twas then, Fayette, that thou dist dare the wave,
To seek the banner of the free and brave ;
Didst nobly succour our exhausted band —
*The treatment of Lafayette, on his departure for America, from
Havre, was dishonorable and outrageous, in. the extreme. From all
accounts, the mob, as well as the military, was intent upon expres
sing its malice, in the most ungenerous way, towards this noble re
publican. [See extracts from Foreign Journals of the day.]
t It is said, that the tide was going out at t"he time of the embark
ation, and the Cadmus was obliged to haul off into the Roads ; La
fayette was consequently oDliged to go on board by boat, leaving
the landing place covered with a murmuring rabble, and a parcel
of gens d'armes and bayonets.

POETRY. 225
Devoted guardians of a bleeding land !
O ! who, that thinks, can e'er forget that hour,
When freedom, smitten by the arm of of Power —
Pale, vanquish'd Jersey mighty hosts o'eran,
And patriots trembled for the rights of man !
In times of terror, when the warm grew cold,
The timid falter'd and the bad were bold —
'Twas then we saw thee smile, and — firm as fate —
March by the side of Washington the great ;
Pupil magnanimous — imbibe his mind —
Model of Heroes — hope of human kind !
'Twas then, our waning grandeur to advance,
Forgetting all the charms of beauteous France-*"
'Twas then, disdaining pleasure, ease, delight,
Thou bled'st with heroes in disastrous fight ;
Thenceforth this truth didst gallantly display —
True glory's fiat h ii Liberty's highway.
At York and Monmouth, in the sharpest fight,
Green were thy laurels, as thy sword was bright,
Till brave Cornwallis pil'd surrender'd arms,
And Independence Shone in placid charms.
While time enrols th' achievements of thy youth,
Romance and fiction yield the palm to truth :
Well may the Lyric muse neglect her shells,
Where history's pen the sweetest harp excels !
What deathless wreaths adorn thy wide career i
But freedom most exults to weave them here ;
Freedom, whose genius swells Columbia's soul,
Till grateful tears burst forth beyond control.
Come, then, Fayette ! accept deserv'd applause,
Who fought and bled in fieedom's sacred cause —
Take well-earn'd praises, fervent and sublime,
Burnish'd and brightn'd by the wings of time ;
Take from the city of that hero's name,
Hear to thy soul — emblazon'd with thy fame —
Donors that grateful, lofty minds dilate,
Ordain'd for deeds imperishably great !
Thrice happy land, where gratitude so pure,
Makes virtue lov'd and liberty secure :
Happy, where moral warmth delight imparts,
That renders justice sweeter to our hearts:
Where public spirit, luminous as free,
Stirs millions, by one suffrage, to decree
Immortal garlands — borrow'd from no throne^-
To cherish and exalt good deeds alone !
Noble of nature, hail ! • above high birth,
Mirror and pride of freemen o'er the earth :
Consistent, steadfast, firm, in weal and woe
Famous for virtue, spotless as the snow,
29

226 POETRY.
In gloom of bondage, or in radiant sway,
In cells of death, or lofty mansions gay-
Hail friend of justice, probity and right,
And equal laws — and universal light-—
No action of whose life, up, glory's steep
Makes virtue blush, or generous spirits weep !
Live long ! enjoying to thy latest hour,
The fair result of Freedom's liberal power.
The fruit of her blest institutes unfold* —
To soothe the timid, and excite the bold :
The gifts that Kings to servile men assign, .
Let parasites, obsequious, deem divine ;
Fit baubles for the empty, mean, or proud — ;
Gilt toys and tinsel, to deceive the crowd.
But nought that despots grant, or can withhold,
No title, badage, barbaric pearl or gold,
Can ever gratify true glory's thirst,
Like grateful tears that from a nation burst —
Tribute that happy millions now impart,
That swells spontaneous from each throbbing heart :
Where one lov'd Benefactor all commend,
Exalt the patriot, and embrace the friend !

INTERESTING PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO LAFAY
ETTE'S FIRST EMBARKATION FOR THIS COUNTRY.
Mr. De Bois Martin, a native of Saintonge in France,
was commissioned as an officer of infantry by Louis XV.
In 1770 he joined his regiment as captain, then station
ed at Port au Prince, in the Island of St, Domingo, and
in 1776 returned to France on the business of his regi
ment. Having discharged his duty, and being then in
Paris, he met with an elder brother who was intimate
with the Marquis de Lafayette, and who advised him to
accompany the latter to America. An agreement was
soon after entered into with Mr. Silas Dean, then Amer
ican agent at Paris, (but not recognised by the French
government) that the Marquis de Lafayette should serve
as Major General, and all the other officers who might
accompany the Marquis one rank higher than the one
they held in the French army. The French govern
ment had been for a long time promising a vessel to Mr.
Dean to convey these officers, but always put him off
under some pretence or other. At length the Marquis
determined to fit out a vessel at his own expense, and em
bark for America. He employed Mr. Du Bois Martin
for that purpose, who went to Bordeaux and purchased
a ship called " La Bonne Mere," of about 400 tons, and
fitted her out for the intended yoyage. The ship was
was commanded by captain Le Boursier.
The Marquis and twelve, or fifteen officers, including
Mr. De, Bois Martin, embarked at Bordeaux in the month
of April, 1777, and after having resisted the barges sent
by the. Governor of Bordeaux to stop them, they first
went to Passage, in Spain, and subsequently arrived off
the coast of South Carolina in the early part of June 1777.
Here the ship Avas dismasted, and was forced to anchor ;
the Marquis, with some officers, including Baron de
Kalb, went on shore, leaving the ship to her fate. She,
however, afterwards arrived safe, at Charleston. Th*

228 FURTHER PARTICULARS, &C.
American government did not confirm the agreement
made with Mr. Dean in Paris — the services of the most
of the officers were not accepted, and they returned to
France. Mr. De Bois Martin embarked at NeAvbury-
port. It is to be observed, that all the gentlemen who
accompanied the Marquis were men of rank and fortune
who did not come to America as adventurers, but sole
ly to serve the cause of liberty. Among them were Vis
count de Monroy, Baron de Kalb, Chevaliers De Fran-
val, De Fayette, De Vrigini, and a cousin of the Mar
quis. The object of stopping at Passage, was to con
sult the Count of Broglie, who advised the Marquis to
depart as soon as possible. The Marquis' father-in-law,
the Duke of Noallies, one of the most powerful noble
men in France, and who had perhaps more influence at
court than any other man, severely reprimanded the
Count of Broglie for having favoured " the Boy's es
cape." — To which it is said the Count replied- — " I as
sure your Grace that 1 only wish I had one hundred such
boys."

CONTENTS.

Page.
Biographical sketch of Lafayette* - 5
Notice of Auvergne (note)  6
Memoir of Lafayette (Lady Morgan) .... 13
Memoir of do frpm Biographique des Hommes Vivants - 22
Lafayette in the dungeon of Olmutz - - - 32
Escape from Olmutz ...... 39
Lafayette to Mr. Brannarn - - - - - - 50
Mayor of Boston to Lafayette  51
Lafayette's reply ........ 52
Lafayette to Mr. Lloyd .... 53
Arrangements for Lafayette's reception in Boston 54
Embarkation from Havre ..... 56
Landing at New York ...... 53
Address of the Mayor of New York - 58
Lafayette's reply  60
Address of the French residents in New York - 6 1
Lafayette's answer ..... 61
Address of New York Historical Society - - 63
General's Answer - - .... 64
Address of the New Yprk Bar - - 66
General's answer .... 67
Visit to the Navy Yard, &c. &c. - - - 63
Mayor of Philadelphia to Lafayette - - 69
Answer of Lafayette - - - 74
Journey to Boston - - - - 70
Anecdotes in Connecticut ... - 75
Arrival at New Haven .... 77
Mayor's address ..... 78
General's reply ... . 79
Journey continued ..... 80
Reception at Providence .... - 83
Arrival at Governor Eustjs', Roxbury 89
His reception in Boston, in 1784 - - 89
Entry into Boston, 1824 ... 94
Address of the Mayor _ - - - 94
Lafayette's Answer - - - 95
Address of Governor Eustis - - - - 99
Laiayette's reply .... - 100
*It may be proper here to observe, that the note, giving Dr. Thacher credit
for tbis extract from bis Military Journal, was accidentally omitted in its pro
per place. — Ed.

CONTENTS. Page.
Visit to Harvard University - - - - -. 101
Address of the President of the Uuiyersity - - 102
Lafayette's reply ,- - - 103
Address of Judge Fay of Cambridge ... 104
Address of the Cincinnati of Massachusetts - - 105
Reply of the General ... 106
Introduction of Citizens at the State House - - lo7
Second- visite to Cambridge - r ', 108
Visit to Charlestown and Bunker Hill - - 108
Address of the Inhabitants of Charlestown - - 110
Answer of theGeneral - - - - 111
Visit to the Navy Yard - - - - 112
Visit to Faneuil Hall and South Boston - - - 1 1 §
Reception at Medford ... 1 14
Address of the Selectmen and the General's reply - 115
Military parade in Boston - - - • 116
Invitation of the Selectmen of Portland * * 118
General's answer - - - - - 113
Departure from Boston - - - - 119
Reception at Marblehead - - 120
Reception at Salem ... . 122
Judge Story's Address - - - - 1 24
General Lafayette's reply - - - - 1 26
Arrival' and reception at Beverly - - 128
Reception in Newburyport - - - 129
Reception at Portsmonth - - 1 32
Address of the Selectmen - - - 133
General's reply - - - 134
Address of Governor Morrill - - - 135
General's reply - - - 136
Return to Boston - - - 137
Second departure from Boston - - - 138
Arrival at Concord - - - . j 38
Do. Worcester - - - - 139
Address of Judge Lincoln - - -141
General's Reply - . . . 142
Reception at Hartford - - 142
Reception at Middletown - - MG
Departure for New York - - - 147
Second landing at do. - - - - ] la
Dinner of the Cincinnati - - 140
Presentation ef a sword by Col. Mnir - ' - 152
General's reply &c. - - - 153
Dines with the French residents - * ¦ - 1 54
Visit" to Mr. Hurley - - - 154
Castle Garden Fete - - - 1 55
Departure for Albany &c. - - - - 1 59
Present of Lafayette to Capt. Allyn - - ] 60
Arrival at West Point - - ls.it

-ONTENTS. Page.
Departure for Newburgh - - - - 1-61
Arrival at Newburgh - 162
Arrival at Poughkeepsie - - - 162
Lafayette's account of Arnold's treason - - 162
Visit to the seat of R. L. Livingston, Esq. - 163
Visit to the seat of E. P. Livingsten, Esq. - . I64
Reception at Catskill - - I65
Arrival and Reception at Hudson - - - 166
Interview of Revolutionary veterans with Lafayette - 167
Reception at Albany - - - 168
Visit to Troy - - - 170
Visit to the female seminary - - - no
Mrs. Pawling's. address - - - 170
Departure for, and arrival at New York - 172
Dinner of Masons at Washington Hall - - 172
Departure frorii New York - - - 173
Mr. Mumford's present of Franklin's cane - - - 173
Arrival at Jersey city - - - 173
Reception at Elizabeth Town - - - 173
Address of the Mayor - - . 173
Present of a gold medal from the Washington lodge - 175
Arrival at Trenton . - - 175
Address of the Mayor • - - 175
General's address to the Cincinnati - - - 177
Visit to Joseph Buonaparte - ... 177
Entree into Philadelphia - - - - 178
Address of the Mayor - - - - 180
Answer of the General - - - - 181
Address of the Cincinnati of Philadelphia - - 182
Visit to the Navy Yard - - - - 1 83
Ball at the Theatre - - - - - 184
Arrival and Reception at Baltimore - - 186
Reception at Washington - - - 189
Visit to the Tomb of Washington - - - 193
Celebration at Yorktown - - - 197
Anecdote at the siege of Yorktown - - 209
Do. at the Anniversary of 1 824 ... 209
Departure for Williamsburgh - - - - 210
Probable visits to various places - - - 210
Concluding Remarks r - - - 211
Poetic selections - - - 213
Farther Particulars, &c - 227

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