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diff --git a/7449.txt b/7449.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..276c313 --- /dev/null +++ b/7449.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8080 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of General Lafayette, by Lafayette + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Memoirs of General Lafayette + +Author: Lafayette + +Commentator: Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier + +Editor: Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier + + +Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7449] +This file was first posted on May 2, 2003 +Last Updated: July 5, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE *** + + + + +Produced by Stan Goodman, Marvin A. Hodges, Charles Franks, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + +MEMOIRS OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE + +WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT TO AMERICA, + +AND OF HIS RECEPTION BY THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES; + +FROM HIS ARRIVAL, AUGUST 15TH, TO THE CELEBRATION AT YORKTOWN, + +OCTOBER 19TH, 1824 BY MARIE-JOSEPH-PAUL-YVES-ROCH-GILBERT DU MOTIER, + + +BY MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE + + + +{Illustration: Lafayette} + +_DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS--To wit_: + +_District Clerk's Office_. + + +Be it remembered, that on the 2d day of November, A.D. 1824, in the +forty-ninth year of the independence of the United States of America, +E.G. House, of the said district, has deposited in this office the +title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words +following, to wit--Memoirs of General Lafayette, with an account of +his visit to America; and of his reception by the people, of the United +States, from his arrival, Aug. 15. to the celebration at Yorktown, Oct +19, 1824. + +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 "an +act supplementary to an act, 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 extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, +engraving and etching historical, and other prints." + +JNO. W. DAVIS, _Clerk of the Dist. of Mass_. + + + + +ADVERTISEMENT, BY THE EDITOR. + + +It is a poor apology to offer for any defect or omission in a work +intended for the information of the public, that it was prepared in +haste. Yet in the present case it can be offered with truth. The Editor +of this volume knew nothing of the plan, until it had been some time +proposed, and many subscribers obtained. The gentleman by whom it was +first intended to have been prepared, was suddenly taken away, without +writing, or even collecting any thing for the volume. It was undertaken +with reluctance, as it was known the public would he impatient for the +work, and as the publisher was also desirous it should be prepared in +a few weeks. It is only fifty days since the task was begun. It is +believed, however, that several documents, not yet published, will be +found in this volume; and that many events and incidents are preserved, +which would otherwise have been lost to the public. + +Everything relating to the life and character of this extraordinary man, +is certainly worthy of remembrance by the benevolent and intelligent +through the civilized world, and especially by Americans, to whom he has +rendered the most essential services. The endeavour has been to avoid +panegyric; though in this case, a plain statement of facts may +be construed, by those ignorant of the life of Lafayette, into a +disposition to bestow extravagant praise. + +It has been a source of much satisfaction to the Editor, to find so many +proofs of consistency and of principle, as well as of zeal in the cause +of rational liberty, which the life of this heroic and disinterested +personage affords. And if he shall appear in this hasty memoir, as the +ardent, undeviating, and sincere friend of civil freedom and of +the rights of man, it will be because he justly merits such a high +character. + +In the account of his reception by the people of this country, in +various places, during his present visit, it may be thought that we have +been too particular. It was promised, however, in the proposals for the +volume, that such relation would be given. It is believed that it +will be found to be interesting, and that it will be a satisfaction +hereafter, to recur to it. This account embraces the time which elapsed +after he landed at New-York, August 15, 1824, to the celebration of +the capture of the Brittish [sic] army at Yorktown, October 19. These +statements were, copied principally from the public newspapers; and it +was thought to be unnecessary to give credit for them, or to insert the +usual marks of quotation. + +_Boston, Nov_. 1, 1824. + + + + +TABLE OF CONTENTS + + +Introductory remarks + +Birth and education of Lafayette + +His purpose to visit America in 1777 + +His arrival and early service in America + +Battle of Brandywine + +Washington's attachment to him + +Commands in northern department + +Escape from British near Philadelphia + +Battle of Monmouth + +Brave conduct of Lafayette + +A volunteer to R. Island + +Journey to Boston + +Proposal to visit France + +Resentment of the conduct of British Commissioner + +Visit to Boston + +Embarks there for France + +Resolve of Congress honorable to Lafayette + +Letter of Franklin + +Return to America in 1780 + +Services in France in behalf of America + +Letter of Gen. Washington + +Commands in Virginia in 1781 + +His services and bravery in that department + +Escapes from Cornwallis + +His troops deserting + +Critical situation + +His conduct approved by Washington + +He applauds Gen. Wayne + +Proposes to visit France again + +Resolves of Congress approving his conduct + +Letter to Congress + +His letter to S. Adams + +Mr. Adam's reply + +Doings of Massachusetts + +Details of service at Yorktown + +Events on his return to France + +Letter to Sir H. Clinton + +Visit to America in 1784 + +Arrives in Boston + +His reception + +Honorable notice of his services, by Congress + +His public conduct in 1786 + +Meeting of States' General, 1787 + +In favor of reform + +New Constitution in 1789 + +Supported by Lafayette + +Parties in France and civil commotions + +Commands the Militia of Paris + +The Parisian mob + +Struggle for power between monarchists and reformers + +Louis attempts to leave France + +Jacobin clubs + +Letter to Bouille + +His enemies cabal + +Commands part of the French army + +Letter to the national assembly, June 1792 + +Letter to the King + +Letter to the assembly + +Opposed and denounced by the Jacobins + +His firmness and patriotism + +His address to the soldiers + +Leaves France + +Arrested and confined + +Removed to prison at Olmutz + +His letter + +Washington seeks for his release + +Fox and others intercede for his release + +Bollman and Huger attempt his deliverance + +Failure, and subsequent confinement + +Madame de Lafayette + +Her imprisonment + +Lafayette released + +Reply to Emperor of Austria + +Proceeds to Holland + +Return to France 1800 + +Offered a seat in the Senate by Bonaparte + +His income and estates + +His letter to the First Consul + +Not a supporter of Bonaparte + +Neglected by Napoleon + +G. W. Lafayette + +Death of Madame de Lafayette + +Her character + +Retirement of Lafayette + +Louis XVIII restored + +Lafayette desirous of constitutional liberty + +His conduct after the battle of Waterloo and abdication of Napoleon + +Retirement to private life + +Correspondence with A. Hamilton + +His family + +Madame de Stael's opinion of him + +Elected a member of assembly 1819 + +His efforts for constitutional liberty + +His mode of life, and employment + +His Benevolence + +Gen. Washington's kindness to his son + +Visit of Mr. Fox to Lafayette + +Manners of Madame Lafayette + +Religion of Lafayette + +Charity among Christians + +His character and opinions + +His decision and consistency + +Invitation of Congress, from Boston, &c. + +His replies + +His arrival at New-York + +His reception in New-York + +Journey to Boston + +His arrival in Boston + +Address of the Mayor + +His answer + +Address of Governer of Massachusetts + +Address of Cincinnati + +Answer to do. + +Commencement + +Visited by Bostonians + +Phi Beta Kappa + +Visit to Charlestown and Bunker Hill + +Bunker Hill Monument + +Visit to Gov. Brooks + +Evening Parties + +Brattle Street Church + +Visit to President Adams + +Military parade + +Apology for great rejoicings + +Militia + +Visit to Salem + +Address of Judge Story + +Visit to Ipswich, and Newburyport + +To Portsmouth + +Return to Boston + +Visit to Lexington and Concord + +Bolton, Lancaster + +Visit to Worcester + +Judge Lincoln's address + +Journey to Connecticut + +Reception at Hartford + +Return to New-York + +Lafayette's toasts + +Visit to the schools + +Grand ball at Castle Garden + +Visit to West-Point + +Visit to Newburgh + +His visit to Hudson + +Arrival at Albany + +Kindness to soldiers, in 1777 + +Returns to New-York + +Journey through New-Jersey + +Princeton + +Trenton + +Philadelphia + +Governor's address + +Reply to the same + +Address of Mayor + +The answer + +Illumination + +Vindication of Quakers + +Reply to Frenchmen + +Capt. Barron's address + +Answer to same + +Journey through Delaware + +Visit to Baltimore + +Address of Cincinnati + +Address of Gov. Maryland + +Answer + +Governor Sprigg + +Visit to Washington + +Reception by the President + +Address of Mayor of Washington + +Visit to Alexandria + +To the tomb of Washington + +Arrival in Yorktown + +Jefferson's letter + +Address of Committee of Virginia + +Answer of Lafayette + +Address of Governor of Virginia + +Reply of Lafayette + +His reception at Yorktown + +Address of Col. Lewis + +Answer to same + +Parade and ceremonies, on 19th Oct. + +Custis' address + +Departure for Norfolk + +Conclusion + + + + +MEMOIRS OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE + + +Among the many great men who have distinguished themselves in the +present age, for their attachment and devotion to the cause of civil +liberty, general LAFAYETTE is one of the most eminent. During the +last fifty years, great changes have been made or attempted in human +governments, highly favourable to political freedom and the rights of +mankind. In some cases, indeed, revolutions have not been conducted upon +just principles nor by prudent councils; and the immediate results have +been disastrous rather than beneficial. Changes have taken place without +direct and visible improvement; and efforts to meliorate the condition +of man have produced a reaction in the adherents to patient arbitrary +systems, which have given occasion to much suffering and great excesses. + +The struggle for freedom by the patriotic citizens of America, towards +the close of the last century, was successful; and has proved most +auspicious to human happiness. We have reason to hope, that its +blessings will not be confined to this western continent. A spirit +of enquiry, indeed, has gone abroad in the world. It is spreading in +Europe: and though we devoutly wish it may not prove the occasion of +bloody contests, we shall rejoice to trace its fruits in the gradual +destruction of old despotic systems, and in the general diffusion of +knowledge among the people, and the enjoyment of those equal and just +rights, which mild governments are calculated to secure. + +In our own beloved country, we can boast of many sincere patriots and +heroes besides our 'paternal chief,' the revered WASHINGTON, "who was +first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen;" +others will be recollected, who devoted themselves to the cause of +liberty and their country, with a sincerity and zeal almost without a +parallel in the annals of history. Their memories will not cease to be +revered while Americans are distinguished for a love of civil freedom. + +It must be acknowledged, however, that there was a _peculiar_ +disinterestedness in the services and sacrifices of the Marquis +LAFAYETTE in defence of American independence. It was from a noble +and enthusiastic love of liberty, that he was induced to cherish and +advocate our cause. It was for strangers and in a foreign land, that +he went forth to defend the rights of man, assailed by the hand of +arbitrary power. He was not a desperate adventurer, without fortune, or +friends, or honors. He was surrounded with all these in his own country. +He belonged to very ancient and noble family, and inherited a large +estate. The original family name was Motier; but for several generations +back had assumed the addition of _Lafayette_. Some of his male ancestors +were distinguished for military, and some of the females for literary +talents. His income was 200,000 francs. His property and influence +were increased by a matrimonial connexion with a lady of the truly +illustrious house of NOAILES. He was married at the age of eighteen. + +MARIE-PAUL-JOSEPH-ROCH-YVES-GILBERT-MOTIER DE LAFAYETTE was born at the +chateau de Chavagnac in the province of Auvergne, September 6th 1757. +The rank and affluence of his family secured for him the best education: +and this, according to the fashion of the times in France, was not +only in classical and polite literature, but united also a knowledge +of military tactics. At the age of sixteen, he was offered an honorable +place at Court, which he declined. + +His mind was early imbued with an ardent love of freedom. It is not +known whether his study of English writers who were friendly to civil +liberty, or an eager curiosity to learn the merits of the dispute +between Great Britain and the American colonies, lead him first thus +to take a deep interest in favour of our independence. That controversy +excited the attention of statesmen on the continent of Europe as well +as in England. It has been said that he was acquainted with some +distinguished English characters in 1776, from whom he learnt the +situation of America, and the object of our revolution. In the latter +part of this year, he applied to SILAS DEANE, our agent then at Paris, +for information, and encouragement in his plan, already adopted, of +rendering his personal service to the cause of America. While he was +at Paris, (Dec. 1776) with these views, Dr. FRANKLIN arrived. The +intelligence, received from him respecting our situation and prospects +at that period, was of a nature to discourage any one, who had not +cherished the most enthusiastic and resolute purpose to engage in our +behalf. Our almost desperate condition seems only to have increased his +zeal and devotion to the interests of America. "Hitherto, said he, I +have only cherished your cause; I now go to serve it personally." He +believed our cause to be just. He considered it the cause of civil +liberty; and gloomy as was the prospect, hazardous as was the +enterprize, he was determined to support it at the risk of life itself. +In his situation, the privations and sacrifices to be made and endured +were incalculably great. It is indeed a singular instance of an heroic +enterprize for the good of mankind. + +We cannot more justly describe his sentiments and views, than by +quoting his own language used at a subsequent period, in a letter to the +President of the Continental Congress--"The moment I heard of America, I +loved her; the moment I knew she was fighting for liberty, I burnt with +a desire to bleed for her." The sacrifices he made cannot be so well +otherwise estimated as by reflecting that he left an affectionate wife, +in whom he was most happy; and who, he was obliged to assure, that he +would speedily return, before she would consent to the enterprize. + +When LAFAYETTE made known his purpose to embark for America, under all +the appalling circumstances of our country, our Envoys were still unable +to furnish a passage for him. They had no vessels at command; and they +were not then in a situation to purchase one. Loans were the object of +their mission; but as yet they had not succeeded in obtaining them. And +as the French court had not acknowledged our independence, or openly +espoused our cause, it would have been improper for them to furnish a +vessel for such purpose. What was then done for America must be effected +in secret; and at most, only connived at by the French government. +But the ardour of young LAFAYETTE was not to be checked by any such +considerations. He took council rather of his feelings, than of that +prudence by which ordinary minds are governed. He therefore immediately +engaged a vessel at his own charges, and sailed for the United States, +where he arrived in the month of January. He landed at Charleston, S.C. +and soon entered, as a volunteer, in the American army. Soon after his +arrival, he purchased clothing and arms for the troops under General +MOULTRIE in that quarter. He also early made an advance to General +WASHINGTON of 60,000 francs, for the public service. + +For several months, he continued to serve in this capacity. His zeal and +services were early appreciated by Congress; and in July, 1777, he +was created a Major-General. But he did not, at once, act under that +commission. In the battle of Brandywine, in September of the same year, +although he distinguished himself by his activity and undaunted bravery, +it does not appear that he acted as Major-General. He received a wound +in his leg, in this engagement, and his services were highly applauded. +He remained in the field till the close of the battle, inspiring the men +by his presence and active courage. The wound was severe and required +attention; but before it was entirely healed, he joined the army again +under WASHINGTON. In November, at the head of some Jersey militia, he +attacked a body of 300 Hessians and defeated them. General GREENE +was engaged in the same affair, a part of the time; and said of young +LAFAYETTE, "that he seemed to search for danger." Soon after this +period, he had command of a division in the Continental army; and +frequently was appointed the chief officer in separate departments of +great importance and responsibility. + +General WASHINGTON became greatly attached to him. He was an intelligent +judge of character; and was never known to bestow his confidence upon +those who were not worthy of it. He was so distinguished by the regard +of the Commander in Chief, that it became usual to call him "his adopted +son." WASHINGTON loved him for his goodness, and honored him for his +bravery and military talents. In the early part of 1778, when it was +proposed to make an attack upon Canada, and to endeavor to connect it +with the thirteen United States, Gen. LAFAYETTE was appointed to command +the troops collecting for that purpose at Albany. This plan originated +in Congress, and was said to be much favored by the French Ambassador; +but WASHINGTON ever doubted the propriety, or the feasibility of the +scheme, and eventually gave his opinion decidedly against it; and it was +not prosecuted. It was at this time, probably, that Brigadier General +STARK took the oath of fidelity to the American Congress and of +renunciation to the king and government of Great Britain, which had +then been recently required, before General LAFAYETTE; and which was +administered by the commanding officer in each separate Department. The +original certificate of this oath is said now to be in existence. It +is a singular fact, that a native American took this oath before a +foreigner: or perhaps even then, General LAFAYETTE had been declared +by Congress to be entitled to all the rights of a citizen of the United +States. + +In May 1778, while the British main army was in Philadelphia, and the +American troops at Valley Forge, he was detached with about two thousand +five hundred men under his command, to a position in advance of the +continental camp and near the city, for the purpose of watching the +motions of the enemy. The British endeavored to surround and surprise +him: but he had timely notice of their plan, and retired in safety to +the vicinity of WASHINGTON'S head-quarters. Had he been surprised in +this situation, the result would probably proved fatal to our cause. For +the continental troops under WASHINGTON were few in number and poorly +clothed and armed. But the Commander in Chief, doubtless, was fully +aware of the important and critical nature of the service, and +entrusted it to one, in whose judgment as well as bravery he had perfect +confidence. + +Soon after this, in the month of June, the British army left +Philadelphia, to return to New-York. It consisted of as large a number +of well disciplined troops, as they had in America at any one time; and +though they chose not to make a direct attack upon WASHINGTON, they seem +to have had no apprehensions of an attack from him. But he was resolved +to avail of the occasion of their march through the State of New Jersey, +to attack and annoy them. This he did on the memorable 28th of June, +near Monmouth court-house; and had his judicious plan been faithfully +executed, or his own personal activity and bravely been seconded by +General LEE, who had the command of the troops more immediately engaged +on that day, a great and decisive victory would in all probability have +attended the daring enterprize. General LAFAYETTE had a distinguished +command on that critical day. Lee, indeed, at first declined the command +of the advanced corps, detached by WASHINGTON to harass the rear of +the enemy while on their march; and it was given to the former: though; +afterwards, when it was found, that the enemy was preparing for a +general engagement, a reinforcement was ordered, and the whole placed +under the command of General Lee. In this whole affair, General +LAFAYETTE conducted with remarkable intelligence and bravery; and +received the entire approbation of the Commander in Chief. + +In August of the same year (1778) when the enemy had a large force on +Rhode Island, and were supposed to be meditating an attack on some place +in the vicinity, Lafayette (with General Greene) offered his services as +a volunteer. The expedition was not attended with success: the British +troops then were more numerous than we could collect against them; and +what were mustered were principally militia. The continental regiments +were then all needed near New-York. But General Lafayette assisted in +conducting the retreat of our men, with much skill and effect; and his +behaviour on the occasion received the particular notice and approbation +of Congress. + +About this time, with the knowledge and consent of Congress, Lafayette +made a visit to Boston. The particular object of this journey is not +known. It is evident, however, from the resolve of Congress on the +occasion, that it was not from merely personal or private views. It was, +no doubt, for some purpose of a public nature, and for the welfare of +the nation. The following is the resolve alluded to; and is proof, +that his visit at the time, was designed for the promotion of some plan +calculated for the prosperity of the country. + +"In Congress, Sept. 9th, 1778. Resolved, That the President be requested +to inform the Marquis de Lafayette, that Congress have a due sense of +the sacrifice he made of his personal feelings, in undertaking a journey +to Boston with a view of promoting the interests of these States, at a +time when an occasion was daily expected of his acquiring glory in the +field; and that his gallantry in going a volunteer on Rhode Island, when +the greatest part of the army had retreated, and his good conduct +in bringing off the pickets and out sentries, deserves particular +approbation." This resolve was communicated to Lafayette by the +President of Congress, with a polite note; to which the Marquis replied +as follows: + + +"SIR, + +"I have received your favour of the 13th instant, acquainting me of the +honor Congress has been pleased to confer on me by their most gracious +resolve. Whatever pride such approbation may justly give me, I am not +less affected by the feeling of gratitude, and that satisfaction of +thinking my endeavours were ever looked upon as useful to a cause in +which my heart is so deeply interested. Be so good, Sir, as to present +to Congress my plain and hearty thanks, with a frank assurance of +a candid attachment, the only one worth being offered to the +representatives of a free people. The moment I heard of America, I loved +her: The moment I knew she was fighting for liberty, I burnt with the +desire of bleeding for her: and the moment I shall be able of serving +her, in any time, or in any part of the world, will be the happiest +of my life. I never so much wished for occasions of deserving those +obliging sentiments I am honored with by these States and their +representatives, and that so flattering confidence they have been +pleased to put in me; which have filled my heart with the warmest +acknowledgments and most eternal affection. + +"I pray you to accept my thanks for the polite manner in which you have +communicated the resolve of Congress; and I have the honor to be, &c. + +"LAFAYETTE." + +During the year 1778, some propositions were made to Congress from the +British ministry, through three commissioners, who were sent over to +America. The object was to bring about a cessation of hostilities, and +peace, without acknowledging our Independence. They were, therefore, +immediately rejected. In the address of the commissioners to Congress, +the French King and ministers were mentioned with great disrespect, +and represented as secret enemies to America; and therefore, not to be +believed in their engagements and promises in our favour. The Marquis +de Lafayette highly resented this heavy charge against his king and +government; and wrote a very spirited letter on the subject, to Lord +Carlisle, the principal commissioner. He seemed ready to appear as the +champion of his abused Prince and country, in the chivalrous manner +such attacks were met in former ages, when disputes were settled between +nations by single combat. The indignation he expressed was honorable to +his patriotic feelings; but, probably, his maturer years and judgment +would have chastened and moderated it. + +Early in the year 1779, after an absence from his beloved family and +country of more than two years, Lafayette visited France: not however, +without the consent of Congress and also of General Washington, and +a determination to return to America at a future day. He embarked at +Boston. In waiting for a passage to France, the Marquis was several +weeks in Boston; and here became acquainted with John Hancock, +Dr. Cooper, S. Breck, Esq. and others, to whose families he became +particularly attached. The hospitable attention of the Bostonians, was +not lost upon him. With warm feelings and elegant manners, he was well +qualified to appreciate their patriotism and politeness; and impressions +were made upon his generous mind, favourable to their characters, +which he has not forgotten to the present day. In no place in America, +perhaps, did he find the citizens more congenial to his ardour of +affection and devoted love for civil liberty.--It cannot be doubted, +that to a man of his amiable and tender feelings, the consideration of +meeting with his family and friends influenced him to this visit. But it +appears also, from his letters at that time, that he considered his +duty to his King and country required him to go to France. War was now +declared between France and England; and he believed himself bound to +give his personal services for the defence of his own nation. With +all his zeal in favour of liberty and of America, which he considered +engaged in its sacred cause against an arbitrary power, he acknowledged +his obligations to asset in protecting his native country. If his King +should consent, he engaged to return to America, and devote himself +again in support of her rights. The following letters will justify this +statement of his views, at the time of which we are speaking. The first +is from General Washington to the President of Congress. + + +"_Head Quarters, Oct. 13th_, 1778. + +"SIR, + +"This will be delivered to you by Major General, the Marquis de +Lafayette. The generous motives which first induced him to cross the +Atlantic, and enter the army of the united States, are well known to +Congress. Reasons equally laudable now engage him to return to France, +who, in her present circumstances, claims his services. + +"His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and country, however +great, could not influence him to quit the continent in any stage of an +unfinished campaign; he resolved to remain at least till the close of +the present; and embraces this moment of suspense, to communicate his +wishes to Congress, with a view of having the necessary arrangements +made in time; and of being still within reach, should any occasion offer +of distinguishing himself in the field. + +"The Marquis, at the same time, from a desire of preserving a relation +with us, and a hope of having it yet in his power to be useful as an +American officer, solicits only a furlough, sufficient for the purposes +above mentioned. A reluctance to part with an officer, who unites to all +the military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgment, world lead +me to prefer his being absent on this footing, if it depended solely on +me. I shall always be happy to give such a testimony of his services, as +his bravery and good conduct on all occasions entitle him to; and I have +no doubt that Congress will add suitable expressions of their sense of +his merits, and their regret on account of his departure. I here the +honor to be, &c. + +"GEO. WASHINGTON." + +From the Marquis to Congress. + + +"_Philadelphia. Oct. 8th_, 1778. + +"Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious instants of +Congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my +present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs from +affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my country, can +never be more properly spoken of, than in presence of men who have done +so much for their own. As long as I thought I could dispose of myself, +I made it my pride and pleasure to fight under American colours, in +defence of a cause which I dare more particularly call _ours_, because I +had the good fortune of bleeding for her. Now that France is involved +in a war, I am led by a sense of duty as well as by patriotic love to +present myself before my king, and know in what manner he judges proper +to employ my services. The most agreeable of all will always be such +as to serve the common cause among those, whose friendship I had the +happiness to obtain, and whose fortune I had the honor to follow in less +smiling times. That reason, and others, which I leave to the feelings of +Congress, engage me to beg from them, the liberty of going home for the +next winter. + +"As long as there were any hopes of an active campaign, I did not think +of leaving the field. Now that I see a very peaceable and undisturbed +moment, I take this opportunity of waiting on Congress. In case my +request is granted, I shall so manage my departure, as to be certain +before going, the campaign is really over. Enclosed you will receive a +letter from his Excellency, General Washington, wherein he expresses his +assent to my obtaining leave of absence. I dare flatter myself, that I +shall be considered as a soldier on furlough, who most heartily wants +to join again his colours, and his most esteemed and beloved fellow +soldiers. Should it be thought I can be any way useful to America, +when I shall find myself among my countrymen, I hope I shall always be +considered as one most interested in the welfare of these United States, +and one who has the most perfect affection, regard and confidence for +their representatives. With the highest regard, &c. + +"LAFAYETTE." + + +"_In Congress, Oct_. 21. 1778. + +"_Resolved_, That the Marquis Lafayette, Major General in the services +of the United States, have leave to go to France; and that he return +at such time as shall be most convenient to him,--Resolved, That the +President write a letter to the Marquis Lafayette, returning him the +thanks of Congress for that disinterested zeal which led him to America, +and for the services he hath rendered to the United States, by the +exertion of his courage and abilities on many signal occasions. + +"_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of +America, at the Court of Versailles, be directed to cause an elegant +sword, with proper devices to be made and presented in the name of the +United States, to the Marquis Lafayette." + +The foregoing resolves were communicated to the Marquis in the following +letter: + + +"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 24, 1778. + +"SIR, + +"I had the honor of presenting to Congress, your letter, soliciting +leave of absence: I am directed by them, to express their thanks for +your zeal in promoting that just cause in which they are engaged, and +for the disinterested services you have rendered to the United States of +America. + +"In testimony of the high esteem and affection in which you are held by +the good people of these States, as well as an acknowledgment of your +gallantry and military talents displayed on many signal occasions, their +Representatives; in Congress assembled, have ordered an elegant sword +to be presented to you, by the American Minister, at the Court of +Versailles. Enclosed within the present cover, will be found an act +of Congress of the 21st instant, authorizing these declarations, and +granting a furlough for your return to France, to be extended at your +own pleasure. I pray God to bless and protect you; to conduct you in +safety to the presence of your Prince, and to the re-enjoyment of your +noble family and friends. I have the honor to be, &c. + +"H. LAURENS." + +To this note the Marquis made the following reply: + + +"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 26, 1778. + +"SIR, + +"I have received your excellency's obliging letter, enclosing the +several resolutions Congress have honored me with, and the leave of +absence they have been pleased to grant. Nothing can make me happier, +than the reflection, that my services have met with their approbation. +The glorious testimonial of confidence and satisfaction respectfully +bestowed on me, by the representatives of America, though much superior +to my merit, cannot exceed the grateful sentiments they have excited. I +consider the noble present offered me in the name of the United States, +as the most flattering honor. It is my most fervent desire, soon to +employ that sword in their service, against the common enemy of my +country and their faithful and beloved allies. That liberty, safety, +wealth and concord may ever extend and bless these United States, is the +earnest wish of a heart glowing with a devoted zeal and unbounded love +for them, and the highest regard, and most sincere affection for their +representatives. + +"Be pleased, Sir, to present my thanks to them, and to accept yourself +the assurance of my respectful attachment. + +"LAFAYETTE." + +Letter of Dr. Franklin, to the Marquis Lafayette. + + +"_Passy, Aug_. 24, 1779. + +"SIR, + +"The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the United States, but +unable adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a sword, +as a small mark of their grateful acknowledgments. They directed it to +be ornamented with suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of +the battles, in which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and +good conduct, are therefore represented upon it. These, with a few +emblematical figures, all admirably well executed, make its principal +value. By the help of the exquisite artists France affords, I find it +easy to execute every thing, but _the sense we have of your worth, and +our obligations to you_. For this, figures and even words are found +insufficient. + +"I therefore, only add, that, with the most perfect esteem, I have the +honor to be, &c. + +"B. FRANKLIN." + +The Marquis de Lafayette came again to the United States in April 1780, +and landed at Boston, though the vessel first touched at Marblehead on +its way to the former place. In his passage both to and from France, +he was in danger of capture from the British. The frigate, in which he +returned to this country, was chased by an English man of war; and when +it was supposed, they must come to action, LAFAYETTE was found at one +of the guns, preparing to act his part should they be attacked. In this +visit to France, he exerted himself with effect, to induce the Court +of Versailles to afford the United States more effectual aid; and +especially, to send over a large fleet, which rendered essential +service to the American cause. His great devotion to our interests would +certainly lead him to advocate any measures with his King, favourable to +our wishes: and his influence, considering his high rank and family, was +undoubtedly attended with beneficial results. His services in our behalf +were particularly noticed by Congress. + +"When the Marquis de Lafayette obtained permission to revisit his native +country and offer his services to his sovereign, he retained, with his +rank in the American army, that ardent zeal for her interests, which the +affectionate attentions he had received, the enthusiasm of a soldier in +the cause of those for whom he had made his first campaigns and by whom +he had been highly distinguished, combined with a consciousness that he +was substantially promoting the permanent interests of France; were all +so well calculated to inspire in a young and generous mind, in favour +of an infant people struggling for liberty and self government, with the +hereditary rival of his nation. + +"He was received at the Court of Versailles with every mark of favour +and distinction; and all the influence he had acquired was employed in +impressing on the cabinet the importance and policy of granting sucors +to the United States. + +"Having succeeded in this favourite object, in which he was aided by +the representations of the former and present minister of France at +Philadelphia; and finding no probability of active employment on the +continent of Europe, he obtained permission to return to America, +with the grateful intelligence of the service he had rendered while in +France, to the country in whose cause his service had been first drawn. +He arrived at Boston in the month of April 1780, and hastened to Head +Quarters. He then proceeded to Congress with the information that the +King of France had consented to employ a large land and naval armament +in the United States, for the ensuing campaign. He was received by +WASHINGTON with joy and affection; and by Congress with those marks of +distinction and regard to which his _constant_ and _indefatigable_ zeal +in support of the American cause, as well as his signal service, gave +him such just pretnesions. The intelligence which he brought gave new +impulse both to Congress and to the State Legislatures. The lethargic +slumbers into which they seemed to be sinking yielded to resolutions of +the most vigorous character."--_Marshall_. + +The letters below, with the resolve of Congress, will show the sense +WASHINGTON had of the services of his "_adopted son_," the Marquis +Lafayette, and the personal attachment which he cherished for him, as +well as the high estimation; in which the disinterested zeal of that +devoted friend of liberty was held by the grand Legislature of America. + + +"_Head Quarters, Morristown, May_ 13, 1780. + +"The Marquis Lafayette does me the honor to take charge of this note. I +am persuaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel at the return +of a gentleman who has so signally distinguished himself in the service +of this country; who has given so many and so decided proofs of his +attachment to its interests; and who ought to be dear to it by +every motive. The _warm friendship_ I have for him conspires with +considerations of public utility to afford me a double satisfaction +in his return. During the time he has been in France he has uniformly +manifested the same zeal in our affairs, which animated his conduct +while he was among us; and has been, upon all occasions, an essential +friend to America. He merits, and I doubt not Congress will give him +every mark of consideration and regard in their power. + +"I have the honour to be, &c. + +"GEO. WASHINGTON." + + +"_To His Excellency the President of Congress_." + +"_Philadelphia, May_ 16, 1780. + +"After so many favors, which, on every occasion and particularly at my +obtaining leave of absence, Congress were pleased most graciously to +bestow on me, I dare presume myself entitled to impart to them the +private feelings, which I now so happily experience. + +"In an early epoch in our noble contest, I gloried in the name of an +American soldier; and heartily enjoyed the honor I have of serving +the United States; my satisfaction is at this long wished-for moment +entirely complete, when putting an end to my furlough, I have been +able again to join my colours, under which I hope for opportunities +of indulging the ardent zeal, the unbounded gratitude, the warm, and I +might say, the patriotic love, by which I am forever bound to America. + +"I beg you, sir, to present Congress with a new assurance of my profound +respect and my grateful and affectionate sentiments. + +"I have the honour to be, &c. + +"LAFAYETTE" + +In Congress, May 16, 1780. "Resolved, That Congress consider the return +of the Marquis LAFAYETTE to America, to resume his command in the army, +as a fresh proof of the distinguished zeal and deserving attachment +which have justly recommended him to the public confidence and applause; +and that they receive with pleasure, a tender of further services of so +gallant and meritorious an officer." + +"Soon after his return to America the Marquis was entrusted with the +command of a select corps of the Light Infantry of the continental army. +This afforded him a new opportunity for the display of his munificence. +He presented each officer of the corps with an elegant sword; and the +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 according to his own wishes and worthy of his entire confidence. +They were the pride of his heart, and he was the idol of their regard; +constantly panting for an opportunity of performing some signal +achievement worthy of his and their own character. The corps was +probably equal for discipline and bravery, to any in the world." + +Early in the year 1781, LAFAYETTE was detached with about twelve hundred +troops to Virginia; with a view to co-operate with the French fleet +in checking the plundering expedition of General Arnold, who had then +recently landed there with a body of British troops from New-York. The +Marquis performed this long and difficult march with great dispatch. +Many of the soldiers under his command were deficient in clothing: and +it was by the personal responsibility of General LAFAYETTE that funds +were raised in Baltimore and vicinity to remedy this evil. The credit +of the continent was very low; and its means of immediate payment of the +public expenses known to be entirely inadequate. The generosity of +this distinguished friend of liberty was as remarkable as his personal +bravery. He was indeed, both as to life and estate, wholly devoted +to the cause of America; and difficulties and dangers served only to +manifest the sincerity and intenseness of his zeal in behalf of a people +struggling for freedom. + +Soon after this, in the month of May, 1781, Lord Cornwallis, in his +progress from North Carolina into Virginia, formed a junction with the +British forces under Arnold and Phillips. His object was immediately to +crush the Americans under LAFAYETTE, then encamped near Richmond. The +experienced British Commander thought it would be an easy matter with +his superior numbers to secure the "Young Frenchman." But the youthful +soldier was not wanting in prudence and foresight, though ardour and +courage were his predominant qualities. In these traits of character, as +well as others, he was not unlike the "paternal chief" of the American +army. LAFAYETTE made good a retreat; and escaped the net Cornwallis had +prepared for him, with such confident hopes of success. He directed his +course northward; and soon effected a junction with General Wayne, +who had been ordered to reinforce him with eight hundred men of the +Pennsylvania line. + +The Light Infantry under Lafayette were chiefly eastern troops, who +had great objections to a southern climate, and many deserted. In this +critical situation, the Marquis adopted the following expedient. He gave +out that an expedition of great difficulty and danger was to be soon +undertaken; and appealing to the generous feelings of his soldiers, he +expressed a hope that they would not forsake him. If, however, any were +desirous of returning to their regiments, he said, they should have +permission. The effect was as he had hoped. The troops had too much +honor and pride to desert their brave commander in such an exigency. + +About this time, the main army of the British under Cornwallis, had +taken the precaution to cut off the direct communication between the +American troops and their stores, lately removed from Richmond to +Albemarle. The Marquis Lafayette, however, recrossing the Rappahannock, +by forced marches, arrived within a few miles of the British, when they +were yet two days march from Albemarle Courthouse; and opening in +the night a nearer road, which had been long disused, appeared the +following, lay, greatly to the surprise of Cornwallis, between the +British army and the continental stores. Thus disappointed in his plan +of possessing the American stores, the British commander retired to +Williamsburg. The Marquis followed the enemy at a prudent distance; and +was soon so fortunate as to form a junction with the Baron Steuben, who +had been detached into that quarter, to protect the public stores and +assist in the general defence of the country. The British forces, many +of which consisted of cavalry, were than very formidable in Virginia. + +This was a very critical period in the affairs of America. Washington +was satisfied that some decisive blow must be struck; for our finances +were low: and many began to despond as to the result of the contest. The +British were very powerful and resolute. The plan of Washington finally +was to make it appear to the enemy that an attack was intended against +New-York; and at the same time prepare for a general expedition to +Virginia, and destroy the British army in that quarter. This plan +succeeded by the aid of the French fleet, though its Admiral came with +reluctance to the measure. Cornwallis and his army were captured in +October following; and the British ministry soon after consented to +listen to honourable terms of peace. + +Major General Lafayette acted a gallant and distinguished part in this +whole campaign. We have already witnessed his activity, promptitude and +bravery in the early part of the season. His efforts continued, and were +conspicuous on various trying occasions. In the affair near Jamestown, +he was in great personal danger, and one of his horses was shot under +him. It was owing to the to his uncommon vigilance and activity, that +the American troops under his command were able to keep a large British +army in check; and when a detachment under the brave General Wayne were +in danger of being taken, they were rescued by the prompt and skillful +maneuvers of the Marquis. His spirit and firmness were attended with the +best effects upon the men under his command; and seemed to inspire them +with courage and confidence, at this period of great embarrassment and +gloom. He was distinguished for humanity as well as courage. The sick +and wounded were always sure to receive his generous attentions. In the +several engagements which took place, previously to the capture of Lord +Cornwallis, many of the American soldiers were wounded, and he made +immediate provision for their relief and comfort. + +The military skill and bravery manifested by General Lafayette, and the +officers and men under his command in Virginia, at this period, will be +evident from his letters and orders here given. They speak particularly +of the courage and conduct of General Wayne, and his detachment; but +they also afford new proofs of the intelligence and activity of the +commanding officer. + + +Letter from General Lafayette, to General Greene. + + +_"Near James River, July_ 8, 1781. + +"SIR, + +"On the 4th, the enemy evacuated Williamsburgh, where some stores fell +into our hands, and retired to this place, under the cannon of their +shipping. The next morning we advanced, and a part of our troops took +post about nine miles from the British camp. The 6th, I detached +an advanced corps under General Wayne, to reconnoitre the enemy's +situation. Their light parties being drawn in, the pickets which lay +near their encampment, were gallantly attacked by some riflemen, whose +skill was employed to great effect. + +"Having learnt that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his heavy baggage +under an escort, and posted his army in an open field, fortified by the +shipping, I returned to the detachment, which I found generally engaged. +A piece of cannon had been attempted by the vanguard, and the whole +British army advanced to the wood, occupied by General Wayne. His whole +corps did not exceed 800, part of which were militia, with three field +pieces.--But at sight of the British, the troops ran to the rencontre, +notwithstanding the very superior number of the enemy, and a short +skirmish ensued, with a warm, close and well directed fire. But, as both +the right and left of the enemy greatly out-flanked ours, I sent orders +to General Wayne, to retire to about half a mile, where Col. Vose +and Barber's light infantry battalions had arrived, by a most rapid +movement, and where I directed them to form. In this position, they +remained till some hours in the night. The militia under General Lawson +also advanced; but during the night, the enemy retired to the south of +the river. + +"From all accounts, the enemy's loss is great. We had none killed, but +many wounded. Wayne's detachment suffered most. Many horses were killed, +which rendered it impossible to move the field pieces. But it is enough +for the glory of General Wayne, and the officers and men under +his command, to have attacked the whole British army, with only a +reconnoitering party, and to have obliged them to retreat over the +river. I have the honor to be, &c. + +"LAFAYETTE." + +Under date of July 11th, an officer of rank gives some further account +of this affair. "The enemy had 300 men killed and wounded; and among +the latter were several officers. Their precipitate retreat the same +evening, to Jamestown Island, and thence to the other side of the river, +is a tacit acknowledgment, that a general action was not their wish. +We hear that the British officers are much mortified at the issue, and +confess they were out-generalled. Their numbers were far superior to +ours; and they had the advantage of a large corps of cavalry. We could +not have extricated ourselves from the difficulties we were in, but by +the maneuver we adopted; which, though it may have the appearance of +temerity, to those unacquainted with the circumstances, was founded upon +the truest military principles; and was a necessary, though a very bold +and daring measure." + + +Extract from the general orders of the Marquis Lafayette, July 8th, +1781, near James River. + +"The General is happy to acknowledge the spirit of the detachment under +General Wayne, in their engagement with the whole of the British army, +of which he was an eye witness. He requests General Wayne and the +officers and men under his command, to accept his best thanks. The +bravery and destructive fire of the riflemen, rendered essential +service. The fire of the light infantry checked the enemy's progress +round our right flank. The General was much pleased with the conduct of +Captain Savage, of the artillery, and is satisfied, that nothing but +the loss of horses occasioned that of the two field pieces. The zeal of +Colonel Mercer's corps, is fully expressed in the number of horses he +had killed." + +His conduct at the siege and capture of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, +received the particular approbation of the commander in chief. Perhaps +no officer in the American line, contributed more than he did to the +success which attended our arms on that memorable occasion. When the +British General was confident of seizing him and his little party by +stratagem, or of overpowering them by numbers, he was on his guard, and +had the good fortune to elude every effort to destroy him. And, during +the immediate siege of Yorktown, he occupied one of the most dangerous +posts, and was among the foremost in the many vigorous assaults made +upon the British army, before it was compelled to surrender. He had the +honor to be ranked with Lincoln, Greene, Knox, Wayne and others, in the +glorious exploits, which convinced the enemy of our persevering bravery, +and induced them at last to sue for peace. + +In November following, the Marquis returned to France, having first +obtained the consent of Congress, and of the commander in chief. The +contest between Great Britain and the United States, was drawing to +a close. The former became satisfied of the impossibility of subduing +America: and the latter was anxious to terminate a war, which had +exhausted her finances, and occasioned an oppressive debt. The resolves +of Congress, with reference to the departure of General Lafayette at +this period, exhibits, in a very favorable light, the important services +he had rendered the country, in the critical situation in which it had +been placed. + +In Congress, Nov. 1781. "Resolved, That Major General Lafayette have +permission to go to France, and to return at such time as may be most +agreeable to himself--that he be informed, that, on a view of his +conduct throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the +period, in which he had the chief command in Virginia, the many new +proofs which present themselves of his zealous attachment to the cause +he has espoused, and of his judgment, vigilance, gallantry and address +in its defence, have greatly added to the high opinion entertained by +Congress of his merits and military talents--that he make known to the +officers and troops whom he commanded during that period, that the +brave and enterprizing services, with which they seconded his zeal and +efforts, and which enabled him to defeat the attempts of an enemy, +far superior in numbers, have been beheld by Congress, with particular +satisfaction and approbation.--That the Secretary of foreign affairs +acquaint the Ministers Plenipotentiaries of the United States, that it +is the desire of Congress, that they confer with the Marquis Lafayette, +and avail of his information, relative to the situation of public +affairs in the United States--That the Secretary for foreign affairs, +further acquaint the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of +Versailles, that he will conform to the intention of Congress, by +consulting with, and employing the assistance of the Marquis Lafayette, +in accelerating the supplies which may be afforded by his most Christian +Majesty for the United Stakes--That the superintendent of finance, +the Secretary for foreign affairs and the board of war, make such +communications to the Marquis, touching the affairs of their respective +departments, as will best enable him to fulfill the purpose of the +preceding resolutions--That the superintendent of finance, take order +for discharging the engagements entered into by the Marquis Lafayette, +with the merchants of Baltimore, when he borrowed money of them on his +own credit, to supply our troops with necessaries." + +At the same time, Congress ordered that a conveyance be provided for +General Lafayette, in a public vessel, whenever he should choose to +embark; and voted to send a letter by him, to the King of France. + +The following is the reply of the Marquis, to the president of Congress, +who forwarded him the resolves. + + +"SIR, + +"I have been honored with the resolutions which Congress have been +pleased to pass in my favor. Testimonies of their esteem and their +confidence that are so very flattering to me, could not but excite +those exalted sentiments of gratitude, which I am unable sufficiently to +express.--My attachment to America, the sense of my obligations, and the +new favors conferred upon me, are so many everlasting ties that devote +me to her. At all times, and in every part of the world, my heart +will be panting for opportunities to be employed in her service. With +unspeakable pleasure, I shall transmit the resolve of Congress to the +brave and virtuous troops, whom it has been my happiness to command. + +"I have the honor to be, &c. + +"LAFAYETTE." + +When he transmitted the foregoing resolve of Congress, to the troops +he had lately commanded, he observed to them, "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 nine months past, have +been the companions of his fortunes. He can never forget, that, with +them alone, of regular troops, he had the good fortune to maneuver +before an army, which, after all its reductions, was still six times +more numerous than the regular force he had under command." + +The interest taken in favour of our country by General Lafayette, and +the anxiety he felt upon all occasions for the success of our contest +with England, are so strongly evinced by his letter to the Hon. Samuel +Adams, that we feel bound in justice to the character of this zealous +apostle of liberty, to present it to our readers, with the reply of Mr. +Adams. It shows, indeed, not only the disposition of Lafayette, in every +possible way, to rapport the cause of America; but his great knowledge +of human nature, and his regard for the honorable feelings of soldiers. + +The letter was written at Morristown, May 30, 1780, soon after the +Marquis returned from his visit to France, where he exerted himself with +the French Ministers to grant aid and supplies to the United States. + + +"_Dear Sir_,--Had I known that I would have the pleasure of meeting you +at Boston, and holding confidential conversations with you on public +and private matters, I should have anticipated the uneasiness I was put +under by the obligation of secrecy, or previously obtained the leave +of breaking that so strict law in your favor. Now, my dear sir, that +Congress have set my tongue at liberty, at least for such men as Mr. +Samuel Adams, I will, in referring you to a public letter from the +committee of Congress, indulge my private feelings in imparting to you +some confidential ideas of mine on our present situation. + +"As momentary visits did not entirely fulfill the purpose of freeing +America, France thought they would render themselves more useful, if a +naval and land force were sent for co-operating with our troops, and by +a longer stay on the coast of the Continent, would give to the states, a +fair opportunity of employing all their resources. The expectations are +very sanguine at Versailles, and ought to be more so, when that letter +shall be received, by which you know _Congress engaged to furnish on +their part, five and twenty thousand Continental troops, that are to +take the field by the beginning of the spring_. + +"On the other hand, my dear sir, all Europe have their eyes upon us: +They know nothing of us, but by our own reports, and our first exertions +which have heightened their esteem, and by the accounts of the enemy, or +those of some dissatisfied persons, which were calculated to give them +a quite different opinion: so that, to fix their own minds, all the +nations are now looking at us; and the consequence of America, in the +eyes of the world, as well as its liberty and happiness, must depend +upon the ensuing campaign. + +"The succour sent by France, I thought to be _very important_ when at +Versailles: now that I am on the spot, I know it was _necessary_; and +if proper measures are taken, I shall more heartily than ever, enjoy +the happiness I had of being somewhat concerned in the operation. But +if things stood as they now do, I confess that whether as an American +soldier, whether as a private man that said a great deal, and knows +Congress have ordered much more to be said on the future exertions of +America,--who took a particular delight in praising the patriotic spirit +of the United States, I would feel most unhappy and distressed, were +I to tell the people that are coming over full of ardour and sanguine +hopes, that we have no army to co-operate with them, no provisions to +feed the few soldiers that are left, &c. But I hope, my dear sir, it +will not be the case; and more particularly depending upon the exertions +of your state, _I know Mr. Samuel Adams' influence_ and popularity will +be as heretofore employed, in the salvation and glory of America. + +"If proper measures are taken for provisions, if the states do +_immediately_ fill up the continental battalions by good drafts, which +is by far the best way; if all the propositions of the committee are +speedily complied with, I have no doubt, but that the present campaign +will be a glorious, decisive one, and that we may hope for every thing +that is good: if on the contrary, time be lost, consider what unhappy +and dishonorable consequences would ensue from our inability to a +co-operation. + +"Your state began the noble contest, it may be gloriously ended by your +state's exertions, and the example they will once more set to the whole +continent. The reception I met with at Boston, binds me to it by the +strongest ties of a grateful affection. The joy of my heart will be +to find myself concerned in an expedition that may afford peculiar +advantages to them; and I earnestly hope it will be the case, in the +course of this (if proper measures are taken) glorious campaign. + +"I flatter myself you will be yet in Boston, and upon this expectation, +I very much depend for the success of the combined expeditions. Such a +crisis is worth your being wholly engaged in it, as it will be glorious, +important; and I may say it now, because necessary for the support of +the great cause in which you acted so early and decisive a part. What +you mentioned confidentially to me at Boston, I have duly noticed, and +shall ever remember with the attention of a friend. For fulfilling the +same purpose, I wish we may be under particular obligations to you on +this occasion. + +"Give me leave, my dear sir, to suggest to you an idea which I have +lately thought of: all the continental officers labor under the most +shameful want of clothing. When I say shameful, it is not to them, who +have no money to buy--no cloth to be bought. You can conceive what may +be theirs and our feelings, when they will be with the French general +and other officers; and from a general idea of mankind and human honor +it is easily seen how much we should exert ourselves to put the officers +of the army in a more decent situation. + +"I beg, my dear sir, you will present my respects to your family, and +believe me most affectionately, + +"Yours, + +"LAFAYETTE." + + +"_Boston, June_, 1780: + +"My Dear Marquis, + +"Yesterday your very obliging letter of the 30th May was brought to me +by Mons. Guinard. + +"The succour coming from France will be so seasonable and important, +that if America is not wanting to herself, she will have it in her power +by the blessing of heaven, to gratify the utmost of her wishes. His +most Christian Majesty's expectations from us must needs be great; and +gratitude to so generous an ally as well as a due attention to our own +safety, interest and honor, lay us under the strongest obligations to be +in readiness to co-operate with the greatest advantage. I have long been +fully sensible of your most cordial and zealous attachment to our great +cause; and to your personal representation to his Majesty, in addition +to the benevolence of his royal heart, I will take the liberty to +attribute his design to afford us such aid and for so long a time as may +put it in our power to employ all our resources against the enemy. + +"It fortunately happened that the General Assembly of this state was +sitting when the letter and inclosures from the committee of Congress +came to the President of the Council.--They were immediately laid before +the Assembly and I have the pleasure to assure you that the filling our +battalions by an immediate draft, furnishing the army with provisions, +and every other measure for the fulfilling of the just expectations of +your sovereign and of Congress, on this most important occasion, are the +objects of their closest attention. I had for several months past been +flattering myself with the prospect of aid. It strongly impressed my +mind from one circumstance which took place when you was at Philadelphia +the last year. But far from certainty, I could only express to some +confidential friends here, a distant hope, though as I conceived, not +without some good effect: at least it seemed to enliven our spirits and +animate us for so great a crisis. + +"If it were possible for one to be forgetful of our all important cause +for a moment, my particular friendship _for you_ would be a prevailing +inducement with me, to make my utmost feeble exertions to prevent your +disappointment after the great pains you have taken to serve us. I have +endeavored, and shall continue those endeavors while I stay here, to +brighten the dark side of the picture which your imagination has painted +in one part of your letter before me--God forbid that we should be +obliged to tell our friends when they arrive, that we have not a +sufficient army to co-operate with them, nor provisions to feed the few +soldiers that are left. I think I may venture to predict that this +state will comply with the requisition upon her to give the utmost +respectability to our army on so promising an occasion. I was in the +Council Chamber when I received your letter, and took the liberty to +read some parts of it to the members present. I will communicate other +parts of it to some leading members of the House of Representatives as +prudence may dictate, particularly what you mention of the officers' +want of clothing. + +"I thank you my dear sir for the friendly remembrance you had of the +hint I gave you when you was here. Be pleased to pay my most respectful +compliments to the Commander in Chief, his family, &c. and be assured of +the warm affection of your obliged friend and very humble servant, + +"SAMUEL ADAMS." + +Marquis De Lafayette. + + +The Legislature of Massachusetts did immediately, viz, on June 5, 1780, +pass a resolve for raising four thousand men as a reinforcement of the +continental army. The preamble to the resolve was as follows;--"Whereas +a requisition has been made to this court for a reinforcement to the +continental army, in order that it may be able to act vigorously the +ensuing campaign, and the present situation of affairs requiring +the utmost exertions at this period, and affords the most flattering +prospect of putting an end to this distressing war, if the army is +reinforced at this juncture, and enabled to improve the great advantages +offered." To carry this resolve into effect, the Brigadier Generals +through the State were directed immediately on receipt of the resolve, +to issue orders for calling the companies together, and raising the men +required from each town, by voluntary enlistments, or by drafting them, +on failure of a full number being otherwise raised. Those thus drafted +were to be fined if they refused to march; but, a very generous bounty +was granted, to induce men to enlist voluntarily. The Selectmen were +required to furnish the men with clothes and traveling expenses; and +both the Selectmen and Brigadier Generals were liable to a heavy fine, +if they neglected their duty. The patriotic efforts of the Legislature, +thus drawn into action, in consequence of the pressing letter of +Lafayette, and their own sense of the necessity of the case, were +every where met by a corresponding zeal on the part of the people +of Massachusetts; and the men were soon raised, and sent on to the +headquarters of the continental army, to fill the regular regiments of +this State, then in the service. + +At the siege of York-Town, where Lord Cornwallis with a large British +army was attacked and taken by the Americans, Lafayette was particularly +distinguished for activity and courage. And a more minute account of +this affair is necessary, in recording the useful and brilliant services +of this youthful hero in the cause of America, which her sons wish most +gratefully to recollect.--General Washington in person commanded the +American army on this occasion, in pursuance of a plan he had adopted, +as already mentioned. He proceeded to the camp in the vicinity of +York-Town, where Cornwallis was posted, the last of September. He was +assisted by Major Generals Lincoln, Steuben, Lafayette. Knox, &c. The +French troops, who composed a part of the army engaged in the capture of +Cornwallis were under command of Count Rochambeau, who had the character +of an intelligent and brave officer. The whole number of troops, both +American and French, was estimated at twelve thousand. To them, however, +were occasionally added small detachments of the militia from the +vicinity. The British troops were computed to be about seven thousand, +and their commander had been strengthened in his situation by +fortifications, hoping to defend himself till he might receive succors +from New-York. The allied army was supported in this expedition by a +large French fleet which was in the Chesapeake. This afforded great +confidence to the Americans, for they had just then defeated the British +fleet in those waters, and thus effectually cut off all communication +between Lord Cornwallis and the British army in New-York. + +The French admiral had been determined to proceed at this time, to a +station in the West Indies, agreeably to orders which he had received +from the King his master, some weeks before. He was requested to +remain, and co-operate in this expedition, by Count Rochambeau, and by +Washington himself; but they could not prevail with him to relinquish +his proposed departure for the West Indies; and it was only through +the most zealous and repeated solicitations of Lafayette, with a solemn +promise that he would justify the measure to the Court of France, that +the admiral, Count de Grasse, was induced to continue on the station, by +which the capture of the British army was greatly facilitated. + +Under all these favourable circumstances, it is not unreasonable to +suppose, that the allied army cherished a strong confidence of success +in their enterprize. Washington had planned this expedition with great +intelligence and foresight; for he had been resolved to attempt some +decisive and effectual blow against the enemy. He had, however, to +engage a body of well disciplined and regular troops under an officer of +great experience and bravery; and all his own resources, together +with the courage and activity of the officers under his command +were necessary to ensure success. The American chief lost no time in +preparing for a vigorous attack upon the British. They were soon obliged +to abandon their redoubts and advanced posts, and to retire within the +town. The light infantry, under General Lafayette, and a party of the +French troops, were ordered to advance, and to take possession of the +places they had abandoned, that they might cover those of the besieging +army who were engaged in throwing up breast works. These advanced +parties were much annoyed by a heavy cannonade from the besieged; +and Colonel Scammel, the officer of the day, while viewing the ground +recently left by the British, was surprised by a party of their cavalry; +and, after he surrendered, received a mortal wound, which terminated his +life in a few days. Scammel was a brave and accomplished officer, +and eminent as a disciplinarian. He was a native of Massachusetts, a +gentleman of public education, of elegant manners, and most honorable +character. He was greatly lamented by Washington, and by all the +officers of the American army.--Those who had been particularly +associated with him, long cherished the highest respect for his memory. + +Redoubts were thrown up by our advanced parties, for several successive +nights; and on the evening of the 7th of October, a large detachment +under General Lincoln were ordered out, to open entrenchments near the +lines of the British. Lafayette had an important command also in the +enterprise. The great interest felt for him by the Americans was shown +by a request of the Surgeon General, "that if the Marquis should be +wounded, he might receive immediate attention." + +The duties of our troops, at this time, were very arduous; but they were +most vigilant and active; and by the 9th several batteries were prepared +to open upon the town, in which the British General was besieged. +General Washington himself put the match to the first gun, and a furious +cannonade immediately followed, which was a serious salutation to +Cornwallis. + +From the 10th to the 15th the siege was prosecuted with great vigor; an +incessant fire was kept up by the allied armies; and the enemy were not +backward in returning it. The Americans made further approaches to the +town and threw up other batteries in a second parallel. Many of our men +were killed and wounded in these operations. The enemy had two redoubts, +several hundred yards in front of their principal works, which greatly +impeded the approaches of the Americans. It became important to obtain +possession of them by assault. The one on the left of the enemy's +garrison was given to General Lafayette, with a brigade of light +infantry of American troops. The other redoubt was attacked by a +detachment of French troops under commanded of Baron de Viominel. The +assailants, both on the right and left, exhibited the greatest ardor +and bravery. Powerful resistance was made by the enemy; but was soon +overcome by our gallant troops, inspirited by their still more gallant +officers; though with the loss of many of our men. Two field officers +were wounded in this affair; one of whom was Major Gibbs from +Massachusetts, who then belonged to the guard of the commander in +chief. The advanced corps of the detachment on the left, under General +Lafayette, was led on to the assault by the intrepid Colonel Hamilton, +who during this campaign had command of a regiment of light infantry. +Our troops entered the redoubt with charged bayonets, but without firing +a gun. The Marquis was indefatigable in pushing forward his men, and was +constantly in situations of great peril. Some of the American soldiers +were ready to take the lives of the captured after they had possession +of the fort, in revenge for the barbarous conduct of the British towards +many of our men, and especially for the mortal wound inflicted upon the +brave and amiable Scammel, after he had surrendered. General Washington +with Lincoln, Knox, and their aids were in the vicinity of this action, +in very exposed situations. The Americans under Lafayette, carried the +redoubt which they attacked, before the French made their assault upon +the other. The latter also, suffered a greater loss of men than the +former. When the fort was taken by the troops under the Marquis, he sent +his aid, through the fire of the whole British line, to give notice to +Baron Viominel, "that he was in his redoubt, and to enquire where the +Baron was." The Baron returned for answer, "that he was not yet in his, +but should be in five minutes." + +General Washington expressed his sense of this brilliant affair in +his orders of the 15th, Head Quarters, before York-Town. "The Marquis +Lafayette's division will mount the trenches tomorrow. The commander in +chief congratulates the allied army on the success of the enterprise, +last evening, against the two important redoubts on the left of the +enemy's works. He requests the Baron Viominel who commanded the French +grenadiers, and the Marquis Lafayette, who commanded the American Light +Infantry, to accept his warmest acknowledgments for the excellence of +their dispositions, and for their own gallant conduct on the occasion. +And he begs them to present his thanks to every individual officer and +to the men of their respective commands, for the spirit and rapidity +with which they advanced to the points of attack assigned them, and for +the admirable firmness with which they supported them, under the fire +of the enemy, without returning a shot. The General reflects with the +highest pleasure on the confidence which the troops of the two nations +must hereafter have in each other: assured of mutual support, he is +convinced there is no danger which they will not cheerfully encounter; +no difficulty which they will not bravely overcome." + +If the Marquis de Lafayette was animated by an ardent love of civil +liberty, when he first came to America, his attachment to its principles +must have become more firm and settled, if not more intense, after +an acquaintance of five years, with the patriots and heroes of our +revolution. He had become acquainted with our institutions, and with +the principles of our government; and was probably led to believe that +systems equally free might be maintained in other countries. He was so +enamoured, not only with the theory, but with the practical effects, of +republicanism, that he felt it a duty to recommend systems of government +more consonant to the rights of mankind. We know not, if he justly +appreciated the importance of the general diffusion of knowledge among +all classes of people, to ensure such a happy state of society. It +was probably owing to this consideration, however, that he did not +immediately attempt the reformation of the political system under +which his own nation had long been oppressed. That Louis XVI. was mild, +humane, and anxious for the good of his subjects, we are not disposed +to doubt. But the ancient regime was unquestionably despotic; and in the +hands of ambitious or selfish ministers, liable to be an instrument of +injustice and oppression. And those who have long been accustomed to +govern, without being accountable for their conduct, will not easily be +induced to relinquish power, from any considerations of abstract right, +or a belief that others will be more just. + +We will here present a letter of Lafayette, directed to Sir H. Clinton; +to show his regard to truth, and to his own reputation suffering in some +measure by a statement which had been publicly made by that military +officer. + +"Paris, April 29, 1783.--Sir, Upon a perusal of your printed +correspondence, I must beg leave to trouble you with an observation; not +that I have claims to set forth, or relations to criticise. A sentence +in your letter of ---- is the only one I intend to mention. "Having said +to Lord Cornwallis, that he may be opposed by about 2000 continentals; +and, as Lafayette observes, a body of ill-armed militia," you are +pleased to add, "as spiritless as the militia of the southern provinces, +and without any service;" which reads as if it was a part of my letter. +How far your description is undeserving, I think experience has +proved; and that it came from me, no American will believe. But your +correspondence is so public that with full reliance on your candour and +politeness I have taken the liberty to transcribe the passage, and to +return it to you, Sir, as its true author. At the same time permit me to +assure you, &c. + +"LAFAYETTE." + + +The reply of Sir H. Clinton. + + +"_London, May_ 29, 1783. + +"Sir, In consequence of the letter you have done me the honor to write +me, I have read over the publication in question; and I confess the +remark alluded to, from the manner in which it is introduced, appears +to make a part of your letter. You have, certainly, Sir, a right to this +acknowledgment, and permit me, at the same time, to add the assurances, +&c. + +"H. CLINTON." + + +In the summer of 1784, the Marquis de Lafayette once more visited +America. He came to witness the prosperity and improvements of the +country; and to enjoy the society of those brave and honorable men, +with whom he had been associated in fighting the battles of liberty. +Associates in danger form an attachment for each other, which time does +not usually destroy. And when they have long struggled together for +just and generous purposes, the attachment must be strong and permanent +indeed. The heroic actors in our glorious revolution were linked +together by the most disinterested ties. They will never forget each +other's services and virtues: And we trust, their children will never +cease to venerate their characters, or to acknowledge their exalted +merit. + +When General Lafayette visited the United States in 1784, he was +received with an affectionate welcome, little less enthusiastic and +splendid, than that with which he has been lately greeted on landing +again on our shores, after a lapse of forty years. He then also arrived +at the port of New-York; and in October following made a visit to +Boston, where he had so many particular friends ready to receive him +with the most cordial greetings. He was met at Watertown by the officers +of the (then) late continental army, and addressed by his ardent friend, +General Knox, in behalf of the whole body, and a public dinner was +provided for him on the occasion. The feelings excited by the visit +of their beloved fellow officer, will be best described by giving the +address; which was as follows: + +"We, the late officers of the Massachusetts line of the continental +army, embrace the first moment of your arrival, to welcome you with all +the sincerity and ardour of fraternal affection: an affection commenced +in the dark hour of our conflict, elevated and perfected through the +successive vicissitudes of the war. + +"We beg leave to observe, that we have had repeated occasions to witness +the display of your military talents, and of joining in the approbation +and applause which our beloved Commander in Chief so often expressed of +your conduct. We are deeply impressed, with a sense of the various and +important services you have rendered our country; and it will be the +pride of some patriotic and enlightened historian to enumerate your +actions in the field, and to illustrate your incessant efforts to +promote the happiness of the United States. + +"We shall ever retain a lively gratitude for the interposition of your +august sovereign and nation, at a time when America was oppressed by a +formidable enemy. By his influence and the powerful assistance afforded +by his land and naval forces, the war has been happily terminated, and +the independence of the United States firmly established, at a period +much earlier than the most sanguine patriot could have expected. + +"A mind like yours ennobled by a generous attachment to the rights of +mankind, must enjoy the highest pleasure in viewing the people, to whose +cause you so zealously devoted yourself; in full possession of that +peace, liberty and safety, which were the great objects of their +pursuit. + +"Animated by virtue and the auspices of your own fame, may you go on to +add to the splendor of your character, and heighten the glory of your +country, by placing the name of Lafayette on the same list with Conde, +Turenne and her other immortal heroes. + +"In behalf of the officers of the Massachusetts line. + +"H. KNOX." + + +Reply of the Marquis. + + +"From the instant of our parting, Gentlemen, I have been eagerly looking +forward to this period. How far my pleasure is completed by your kind +welcome, I leave, my beloved friends, to your own hearts to determine. + +"While your affection and confidence ever made me happy, let me +gratefully acknowledge, that, for the marks of our beloved General's +approbation, I felt myself wholly obliged to the gallant troops I +commanded. Could my conduct, in any degree justify your partiality, it +will be the pride of my heart to think the American camp was my school, +every one of you my brothers, and that I was adopted as a disciple and +son, by our immortal Commander in Chief. + +"In the interposition of my Sovereign and nation, I enjoyed more than I +could express; every French citizen felt with a patriotic King in this +happy alliance; and from those troops who shared in our dangers, you +meet with a peculiar regard and attachment. + +"During my absence, gentlemen, my heart has been constantly with you. +As an army, we are separated. But forever, I hope, shall unite in a +brotherly affection: and now that a glorious peace has terminated your +labours, I rejoice to find your attachment to those principles for which +you have conquered, ranks you among the most virtuous citizens of the +Commonwealth. + +"LAFAYETTE." + +At the public dinner given by the officers of the late army to this +distinguished friend of American Independence, were also invited the +Governor and Council, and many others of high rank and distinction. It +may be gratifying to some who peruse this volume to know the sentiments +offered as toasts on the joyful occasion. The following are selected: + +The United States--His most Christian Majesty. + +General Washington--The Cincinnati. + +The asserters and supporters of the rights of mankind through the world. + +May America never forget in prosperity those what were her fast friends +in adversity. + +May our country be as famed for justice and honor as she is for valour +and success. + +The Legislature of the State being in session, ordered, that the Marquis +de Lafayette be invited by the President of the Senate and the Speaker +of the House of Representatives together with the Supreme Executive to +meet the two Houses of Assembly in the Senate room "to congratulate him +on his safe arrival in the United States, after the final establishment +of peace, to which his friendly influence in Europe had largely +contributed." The Marquis attended accordingly, when the Governor +congratulated him in terms of the highest respect and affection; to +which the Marquis made a polite and suitable reply. But Lafayette +was too much beloved and his eminent services in our cause too highly +appreciated by the people of the patriotic town of Boston, not to meet +with a more general welcome. A dinner was given him at Faneuil-Hall by +the citizens; at which were present the Governor and Council, President +of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Clergy +and other distinguished gentlemen, and seventy five officers of the late +continental army. When General Washington's name was given for a toast, +the Marquis rose from his seat, and with a tear starting in his eye, +began the act of applause, which was continued and repeated again and +again by the whole company. + +In other places, the Marquis also met a cordial and distinguished +reception. His ardent attachment to America and his great services in +her cause, were still fresh in the recollection of all. It was known, +that he had advocated our independence in Europe, and exerted his +influence with his generous Prince to aid in its support. It was +remembered, "that in the moment of our greatest misfortunes, he espoused +the cause of America," that his military talents and the ardour of his +virtuous mind had been devoted to our interest: and "while gratitude +should be accounted a virtue, the name of Lafayette," it was said, +"would not cease to be dear to Americans." + +When about to leave the United States and return to France, Dec. 1784, +the Marquis de Lafayette addressed a note to Congress, and expressed +a desire to take a respectful leave of that body, before his final +departure. A committee was appointed on this request of the Marquis, +of which the Hon. Mr. Jay was chairman, and whose report was as +follows--"That the merit and services of General Lafayette render it +proper that such opportunity of taking leave of Congress be afforded, +as may strongly manifest their esteem and regard for him."--Whereupon it +was resolved, "That a Committee to consist of a member from each states +be appointed to receive the Marquis, and in the name of Congress to +take leave of 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 +frequently expressed and manifested on former occasions, and which the +recent marks of his attention to their commercial and other interests +have perfectly confirmed. That as his uniform and unceasing attachment +to this country has resembled that of a patriotic citizen, the United +States regard him with particular affection, and will not cease to feel +an interest in whatever may concern his honor and prosperity, and that +their best and kindest wishes will always attend him." + +It was also resolved by Congress, at the same time; "That a letter be +written to his most Christian Majesty, and signed by the President of +Congress, expressive of the high sense which the United States +entertain of the real talents and meritorious services of the Marquis de +Lafayette, and recommending him to the particular favor and patronage of +his Majesty." + +The committee received the Marquis in Congress Hall, and took leave of +him in the name of that honorable body, agreeably to the instructions +given there. They communicated to him the resolves before mentioned; to +which he replied-- + +"While it pleases the Congress of the United States so kindly to receive +me, I want words to express the feelings of a heart, which delights in +their present situation and in the public marks of their esteem. + +"Since I joined the standard of liberty to this wished for hour of my +personal congratulations, I have seen such glorious deeds performed and +virtues displayed, by the sons of America, that in the instant of my +first concern for them, I had anticipated but a part of the love and +regard which devote me to this rising empire. + +"During our revolution, I obtained an unlimited, indulgent confidence, +which I am equally proud and happy to acknowledge; it dates with the +time, when an inexperienced youth, I could only claim my respected +friend's paternal adoption. It has been most benevolently continued +throughout every circumstance of the cabinet and the field; and in +personal friendships I have often found a support against public +difficulties. While on this solemn occasion, I mention my obligations to +Congress, the States, and the people at large, permit me to remember +my dear military companions, to whose services their country is so much +indebted. + +"Having felt both for the timely aid of my country, and for the part +she, with a beloved king, acted in the cause of mankind, I enjoy an +alliance so well riveted by mutual affection, by interest and even +local situation. Recollection ensures it. Futurity does but enlarge the +prospect: and the private intercourse will every day increase, which +independent and advantageous trade cherishes, in proportion as it is +justly understood. + +"In unbounded wishes to America, I am happy to observe the prevailing +disposition of the people to strengthen the confederation, preserve +public faith, regulate trade; and, in a proper guard over continental +magazines and frontier posts, in a general system of militia, in +foreseeing attention to the navy, to ensure every kind of safety. May +this immense temple of freedom ever stand 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 and prosperity, +which will illustrate the blessings of their government, and for ages to +come, rejoice the departed souls of its founders. + +"However unwilling to trespass on your time, I must yet present you with +my grateful thanks for the late favours of Congress; and never can they +oblige me so much, as when they put it in my power, in every part of +the world, and to the latest day of my life, to gratify the attachment, +which will ever rank me among the most zealous and respectful servants +of the United States." + +On the return of the Marquis de Lafayette to his native country in +1785, he spent some time in the bosom of his amiable family. With an +affectionate wife, of cultivated mind and accomplished manners, with +a circle of literary friends, and enjoying a high reputation for his +heroic services in America, he must have possessed all the ingredients +of human happiness. He received the smiles of the King and Court; was +caressed by the gay and chivalrous; and had the esteem and friendship +of the first literary characters in France. He was fond of agricultural +pursuits; and as his estates were extensive, he devoted a considerable +portion of his time to the cultivation and improvement of his lands. +During this time his hospitable attentions were shown to American +travelers, who were always sure of his friendly reception. + +The legislature of Virginia, in 1786, conferred upon Lafayette, an +honorable tribute of regard, in recollection of his very important +services in defence of American Independence; and particularly of +his brave and successful efforts during the campaign of 1781, against +Cornwallis. This was a resolution to place his bust in their capitol. +Mr. Jefferson, then in France, was authorized to have the like work of +honor fixed in Paris, with consent of the municipal authority of +that city and accordingly, another bust of Lafayette; was placed, +by approbation of the King and of the Provot of Paris, in one of the +galleries of the city hall. + +In 1786, he traveled through various parts of Germany, and visited the +courts of Vienna and Berlin. He became acquainted with Frederick II. +the greatest royal tactician of Europe; and probably availed of the +opportunity of attending his reviews, to increase his knowledge of +military discipline. Soon after his return to France, we find him +uniting his influence and efforts with the celebrated philosopher, +Malesherbes, who was zealously engaged in favour of the French +protestants. At this time, also, he joined a society in Paris, whose +object was the gradual emancipation of the unfortunate Africans: so +generous and active are the principles of liberty, that they never cease +to urge those, who yield to their influence, to deeds of benevolence and +humanity. In 1787, he was chosen a deputy to the assembly of the States +General, by the nobility of Auvergne, his native province; and at this +time he shared largely in the popular favour. But, although subsequently +found among the most zealous for a new constitution, by which the +power of the monarch was greatly curtailed, he now voted with the +other members of the order of nobles, and contended for their distinct +authority. + +At this meeting of the States General, however, he was active in +procuring a favorable decree for the protestants, and was the first +to raise his voice for the suppression of "_lettres de cachet_." This +convocation of the States General, composed of separate chambers or +orders, had not been long in session, when great difficulties arose in +consequence of various plans, and the conflicting opinions of different +factions, (for factions were now beginning to appear;) and it was +proposed to call a "National Assembly." It does not appear, that this +was a favorite measure of Lafayette; though, from his avowed sentiments +respecting the equal rights of man, it cannot be doubted, that he +approved of the plan. For in 1789, he became a member of this celebrated +assembly, whose acts not only laid the foundation, for a radical change +in the government of France, but tended directly to destroy the whole +power of the monarch. Even here, indeed, he appeared as the friend and +advocate of Louis; and however ardent he was for an amelioration of the +condition of the people, by rendering the civil government more mild, +than heretofore, he was sincere and active in providing for the personal +safety of his Prince, and for the honor of his crown, conformably to his +views of political liberty. + +He had, in truth, a most difficult part to act. He was ardently attached +to the cause of freedom, and wished the people should have the public +enjoyment of their just and national principles. And he was equally +desirous, that his royal master should still retain such a portion of +authority, as would be requisite to the dignity of the first magistrate +of a great nation.--But the accomplishment of such generous sentiments +was utterly impossible. Neither Louis, nor his courtiers could consent +to the limitations of the royal authority, proposed by the reformers, +and which were necessary to a just exercise of power in the people, +whose representatives should share in the administration of the +government. And many of the leaders in the revolution, even in its +incipient stage, on the other hand, had such ambitious views, or +visionary projects, that nothing would satisfy them, but an entire +relinquishment of power long claimed and exercised by the Kings of this +ancient nation. + +In 1789, the new constitution was proposed by the National Assembly, +by which the distinct and independent power of the monarch was almost +annihilated; and the whole legislative authority was given to the +representatives of the people. That Lafayette, and some others who +advocated this instrument, were actuated by a disinterested love of the +people, and believed that sufficient power was reserved to the King to +secure respect for him, as the political head of the nation, cannot be +doubted. We have only to lament, that subsequent events afforded proofs +of the unfitness of the French people, at that period, for the blessings +of a more popular government. It must also be admitted, that many who +professed republicanism, and boasted of their regard to the people's +rights were unprincipled and ambitious men, whom power had intoxicated, +or who entertained views of government utterly inconsistent with the +just authority of the laws, and the safety of individuals. Lafayette +offered the declaration of the rights of man, at this period, for +the sanction of the assembly: And though he was accused by the +anti-revolutionists, as the author of all the excesses and cruelties +which followed, for this proposition, it may justly be said in his +behalf, that it contained no other axioms, than are admitted, by all +impartial writers, as essential in free governments. The King and his +courtiers condemned them; and jacobins and demagogues afterwards abused +them, in their wild notions of republicanism, or their selfish projects +of personal aggrandizement. + +Lafayette was charged with indiscretion and want of judgment, for the +active and zealous part which he took in the revolution, not only +by bigoted monarchists, but by some who were friendly to republican +institutions. He is said to have declared, "that when oppression +and tyranny were at their height, insurrection became a duty." This +declaration, however, when candidly considered, implies no more, than +was frequently expressed by the patriots of America, when opposing the +arbitrary power of the British ministry, and advocating independence +as the only remedy. The ardour and enthusiasm of Lafayette, probably, +betrayed him into some practical errors, and led him to utter +expressions, which were capable of being pressed into the service of +jacobins and anarchists. We only contend, that he had no selfish views +to accomplish--and that he was really friendly to the welfare and honor +of his Prince, as well as to the liberty and happiness of the French +people. + +This is fully established by the fact, that, at this period and +afterwards, when jacobin clubs were formed and acted as dictators to +the National Assembly, he became obnoxious to them, for his firmness in +adhering to constitutional principles; and, though generally censured +by the royalists as an advocate for liberty and reform, was hated and +opposed by the factions, with the pretence of his being still attached +to the ancient regime. He retained his hold on the affections of the +people for some time, and enjoyed also, more of the confidence and +regard of the King, then any other who had favored the revolution. The +court found him, at least, candid and sincere; and he often exposed +himself to imminent danger in their defence. As proof of the former, he +was chosen Vice President of the national assembly, in the absence +of the aged President, July 1789; and appointed to the command of the +citizens of Paris, to quell the riots, and to restore tranquility to +the city, when an alarming tumult existed, in consequence of the want of +bread among the lower classes. As evidence of the latter, the King often +consulted him in cases of difficulties and danger; and entrusted his +person and family to his custody, when threatened by a lawless mob, +though he well knew the sentiments of Lafayette, on the great question +of royal authority. + +When he was appointed to the command of the Parisian militia, +(afterwards denominated the national guard,) which had been promptly +organized according to a plan of his suggesting, it was a time of +great confusion and tumult. He accepted the appointment from the most +patriotic motives. Drawing his sword before an immense concourse of +citizens then assembled, "Lafayette made a vow to sacrifice his life, if +necessary, to the preservation of that precious liberty which had been +entrusted to him." It was then too, at the moment of his "brightest +popularity," that he exhorted those who pressed around him, "to love +the friends of the people; but, at the same time, to maintain an entire +submission to the laws, and to cherish a zeal for liberty." + +He manifested the highest respect for the civil power, even when he +commanded the national guard and Parisian militia, though with this +immense military force, and with his unbounded popularity, he might have +safely followed his own wishes. The Parisians were eager to march to +Versailles, where the King and court resided, to demand an immediate +supply of bread. The mob proceeded thither in great numbers, and still +greater tumult. He declined marching the military, until he had the +express consent and order of the National Assembly. And on his arrival, +he immediately joined with the king's body guard, in suppressing the +riotous proceedings of the promiscuous multitude, who had previously +reached the place, and were committing depredations even in the royal +palace. This was a scene of great confusion and alarm; and violence and +bloodshed ensued. The enemies of Lafayette pretended, that he might have +prevented the mischief, by timely and decisive measures. But impartial +witnesses testified, "that, from the first moment of the alarm, he +had even exceeded his usual activity." He appeared in every quarter. +"Gentlemen," said he to the Parisian soldiers, "I have pledged my word +and honor to the King, that nothing belonging to him shall receive +injury. If I break my word, I shall no longer be worthy of being your +commander." The people insisted, that the King should go to Paris; and +on consulting with the Marquis, who gave assurances of protection and +respect, he proceeded to the city, accompanied by his family, and was +received with great acclamations of _vive Le Roi_. + +Lafayette still retained his great popularity and influence. The Court +party had perfect confidence in his integrity and honor, though they +did not approve of his revolutionary principles. And the friends of the +constitution found in him one of their most zealous and able supporters. +These, however, soon become divided into clubs and parties; some of whom +were aiming at more power for the representatives of the people, and for +divesting Louis of every thing but the name of King. To this description +of politicians, Lafayette, and others who constituted the majority of +the National Assembly at this time, were opposed. They considered the +King as still the fountain of all executive authority, and were +willing that he should also have a _veto_ upon their legislative +proceedings--His person, they declared, was inviolable, and his crown +hereditary. Put the more violent revolutionists, who soon became known +by the distinctive appellation of _Jacobins_, formed themselves into a +club; where extravagant measures were proposed and then presented to +the assembly; and frequently were adopted, through intrigue and threats, +when a majority of the members were dissatisfied with them. + +Attached to the constitution, a friend to justice and order, and an +advocate for the dignity and authority of the monarch, as limited and +defined by the constitution, Lafayette was among the most open and +decided in counteracting the views of the Duc de Orleans, Mirabeau, +Petion, Brissot, Robespeirre, and others of the jacobin faction, who +aimed at further changes to fulfill their own selfish and ambitious +designs. Orleans was an unprincipled and dangerous nobleman; of royal +blood and cousin to Louis: But his object was to bring about an entire +revolution, and place himself on the throne of France. He, therefore, +hated and feared Lafayette; who, he knew, was too honest to further +his plans, and too powerful to allow him to succeed: Orleans became +obnoxious and was persuaded to leave the kingdom. But he soon returned; +and promoted or approved the shocking excesses which were afterwards +committed. + +During the years 1790 and 1791 great agitations existed in Paris, on +various occasions, through the changing opinions of political leaders, +and the collisions of individuals, who were rivals for power. The grand +confederation took place in July 1790, when the constitution received +the sanction of all classes; and when Lafayette, at the head of the +national guards, attracted as much notice and possessed as great +influence as the king himself. His popularity seemed unbounded; nor did +he commit any act of cruelty or injustice to injure his high reputation. +He could not, in all instances, command the military or restrain the +mob; but he had the merit of using his greatest efforts to preserve +order, and to maintain the authority of the laws. When the King proposed +to visit St. Cloud, he was opposed by the populace and the Jacobin +clubs, under the pretence that he intended to leave the kingdom. +Lafayette attempted to disperse them and to remove all obstructions to +the intended visit of Louis. The troops were disobedient to his +orders, and refused to favor the King's journey. Mortified by their +insubordination, Lafayette resigned his command, but afterwards resumed +it, through the solicitations of the National Assembly, and of the +guards themselves, who regretted their disobedience of his orders. + +On the attempt of the King, soon after, to depart from France, who had +become disgusted with the conduct of the revolutionists, and was in fear +of his personal safety, Lafayette was charged with being privy to +the plan, and subjected himself to the popular displeasure on this +suspicion. That he promoted the plan, was never proved, and is not +probable. That he had intimations of it, is possible; but that he gave +strict orders to the officers about the king's palace to guard against +such an event is most certain. He discharged his duty as a public agent; +and it is not improbable he might have supposed the king in immediate +danger, and that by a temporary absence from the capital, the ferment +would subside, and he might return in safety. No one, for a moment, +believed that he wished, with the emigrants and other enemies of the +revolution, to have Louis surrender himself to the hostile powers of the +coalition, for the purpose of bringing a foreign army to enslave France. +He was, indeed, anxious for the safety of his Prince; but he would never +have compromitted the liberties of his country, even for such an object. + +From this period, the Jacobin clubs became more popular, and had the +chief direction of all political affairs. In their desire to lesson +the authority of the King, and to secure power, they hesitated at no +measures, however unjust; and the new constitution, even which they +had sworn to support, was grossly violated in the prosecution of their +selfish views. The influence of Lafayette was rapidly undermined by +these artful demagogues. He was sincerely attached to the constitution; +and was desirous of maintaining inviolate; the power of the monarch +which it guaranteed. He was the friend to law, and opposed all his +influence to riots and excesses. He became an object of dread to the +Jacobins, and they resolved to destroy him. But for a long time, the +majority of the National Assembly supported him. In attempting to +suppress a dangerous riot, by which many of the citizens were alarmed +and threatened, when he commanded the military in 1791, he was shot +at by one of the mob. The man was taken, and he forgave him--But the +National Assembly decreed the death of the culprit, who had attempted +the life of "the hero of the day." And the municipality of Paris, also +had a gold medal struck off, in honor of Lafayette, and presented him +with a bust of Washington in approbation of his conduct. + +He was repeatedly denounced by individuals of the violent party, before +they succeeded in rendering him obnoxious to popular displeasure. And +this was finally effected, through misrepresentations and false reports. + +Letter of Lafayette, Feb. 1791, to M. de Bonille, one of the court, but +not then at Paris. + + +"Paris is divided by factions, and the kingdom oppressed by anarchy. +The violent aristocrats dream of a counter revolution--the clergy concur +with them. The impartial monarchists are looking for a part to play, +without the means of doing it. Among the friends of the revolution, you +have many honest men, some lose themselves in speculations--and some +Jacobins, whose leaders spread trouble everywhere. As to the ministers, +they are merged in the revolution; and have no rule, but to yield to +the popular voice. The Queen is resigned to the revolution,--hoping that +opinions will soon change. The King wishes the happiness of the people, +and the general tranquility, to begin his own. As to myself, I am +attacked by all the party leaders, who consider me an obstacle not to be +overcome or intimidated. Add to this, the hatred of the aristocrats +and of the Orleans party; of the Lameths, with whom I was formerly +connected; of Mirabeau, who says I despise him; the money distributed, +the libels, the dissatisfaction I give those whom I prevent from +pillaging Paris-and you will have the sum of all which is going on +against me. But except a few ardent heads who are mislead, the well +meaning, from the highest to the lowest, are for me. + +"I stand well with the National Assembly, except a few disreputable +Jacobins. I have little connexion with the court, for I can derive no +use from it to my country; and yet I am aware advantage is taken of my +neglect to intrigue. Some friends are at work with me, upon a plan of +conduct, by which the revolution will be consolidated, the good basis +of the constitution established, and public order restored. The chief +talents of the assembly, Mirabeau himself, cannot but support this plan. +Here then are courts established, and juries are decreed; this is the +moment to let our voice be heard with force, propriety and utility. + +"You have accepted the coalition which my heart and my patriotism have +offered you. You lately said to one of my friends, "If Lafayette and I +understand each other well, we shall establish a constitution." + +"My first wish is to finish the revolution speedily and well, to secure +the constitution on solid foundations, to employ for that purpose, all +I possess of national confidense and personal means; and then to be +nothing more in France, than an active citizen. Adieu, + +"LAFAYETTE." + +But after he was persecuted by the Petions and Robespieres of the day, +because of his moderation, loyalty and attachment to the constitution, +he was held in high esteem by the friends of rational freedom, and +still enjoyed the confidence both of Louis and of the National Assembly. +Toward the close of the year 1791, by request of the King, he was +appointed to command the army of the centre, to oppose the foreign +troops then invading France. When he accepted the appointment, he +assured the National Assembly of his "determination to support the +constitution." The President replied, "the French nation, who have sworn +to conquer and to live free, will always, with confidence, present to +their foes and to tyrants, the constitution and Lafayette." + +As commander in chief of that department of the French army entreated to +him, he was assiduous to maintain proper discipline and order; a matter +of great difficulty, as a revolutionary spirit pervaded all ranks, and +the soldiers were disposed to insubordination, especially under a leader +not belonging to the popular party. He had several engagements with the +enemy, in which he was successful. But his operations and those of +the other generals, who commanded in other departments of the northern +armies of France, were greatly impeded by the injudicious and variable +plans of the assembly, then torn by factions, and disgraced by low +intrigues. The evil spirit extended to the military; and each faction +had its partizans among the soldiers. Lafayette saw and lamented this +disastrous state of things; and he dared to oppose his single efforts +to avert the impending ruin. It was at this time, that he wrote his +celebrated letter to the National Assembly, of June 16, 1792, in which +he exposed the violence and the cabals of the Jacobins, and conjured +the moderates to cling to the constitution, as the only means of safety. +This letter is so important, in developing the views and sentiments of +Lafayette, and in detecting the causes of the excesses, which eventually +disgraced the French revolution of that period, that it will be proper +to record it in this connexion. He wrote to the King at the same time, +expressing great anxiety for his safety, and declaring his wish to +maintain the constitution. + + +Lafayette's letter to the Legislative body. + + +"_At the entrenched camp of Maubeuge_, 16_th June_, 1792. + +"GENTLEMEN, + +"At the moment, perhaps too long deferred, in which I am about to call +your attention to the highest public interests, and to point out among +our dangers, the _conduct of a ministry_, whom I have for a long time +censured in my correspondence, I learn that, unmasked in consequence of +its own divisions, it has fallen a sacrifice to its own intrigues. +[This was the Brissotin ministry.] It is not enough however, that +_this branch_ of the government has been delivered from its disastrous +influence. The public welfare is in peril--The fate of France depends +principally on its representatives--The nation expects from them its +security. But in giving them a _constitution_, France has prescribed to +them the _only_ means by which she can be saved. + +"Persuaded, gentlemen, that as the rights of man are the law of +every constituent assembly, a constitution ought to be the law of the +legislators, which that constitution shall have established. It is to +you that I ought to denounce the too powerful efforts which are making, +to induce you to depart from that course which you have promised to +pursue. + +"_Nothing shall deter me from the exercise of this right of a free man, +to fulfill this duty of a citizen_; neither the momentary errors of +opinion; for what are opinions when they depart from principles: nor +my respect for the _representatives_ of the people; for I respect still +more the _people_, whose sovereign will it is to have a constitution: +nor the benevolence and kindness which you have constantly evinced for +myself; for I would _preserve_ that as I _obtained_ it, by an inflexible +love of liberty. + +"Your situation is difficult--France is menaced from without, and +agitated within. Whilst foreign powers announce the intolerable +(inadmissible) project of attacking our national sovereignty, and avow +it as a principle! at the same time the enemies of France, its interior +enemies, intoxicated with fanaticism and pride, entertain chimerical +hopes, and annoy us with their insolent malevolence. You ought, +gentlemen, to repress them; and you will have the power so to do, _only +when_ you shall become _constitutional_ and _just_. You wish it, _no +doubt_; but cast your eyes upon all that passes within your own body and +around you. Can you dissemble even to yourselves, that a _faction_, (and +to avoid all vague denunciations) the _jacobin faction_, have caused all +these disorders? It _is that which I boldly accuse_--organized like +a separate empire in the metropolis, and in its affiliated societies, +blindly directed by some ambitious leaders, this sect forms a +_corporation entirely distinct_ in the midst of the French people, +whose powers it usurps, by tyrannizing over its representatives and +constituted authorities. + +"It is in that body, in its public meaning, the _love_ of the laws is +denounced as aristocracy, and their _breach_ as patriotism. _There_ the +assassins of Dessilles receive their triumphs, the crimes of Jourdan +find panegyrists. There, the recital of the massacre which has stained +the city of Metz, has also been received with _infernal_ acclamations! +Have they become sacred because the emperor Leopold has pronounced their +name? And because it is our highest duty to combat the _foreigners_, +who mingle in our domestic quarrels, are we at liberty to refrain from +_delivering_ our country from domestic tyranny? + +"Of what importance is it, as to the fulfillment of this duty, that +strangers have their projects; and their connivance and concert with our +internal foes? It is I, who denounce to you this sect [the jacobins]; I, +who, without speaking of my past life, _can reply_ to those who +suspect my motives--"Approach, in this moment of awful crisis, when +the character of each man must be known, and see which of us, more +inflexible in his principles, more obstinate in his resistance, will +more courageously overcome, those obstacles, and those dangers, which +traitors to their country conceal, and which true citizens know how to +appreciate, and to brave for her." + +"And how could I delay longer to fulfill this duty, whilst every +successive day weakens still more the constituted authorities, +substitutes the spirit of party for the will of the people; whilst +the audacity of the agitators, [the disorganizers] imposes silence +on peaceable citizens, throws into retirement useful men, and whilst +_devotion_ to the _sect_ or _party_ stands in the place of _public_ and +_private_ virtues, which, in a free country, ought to be the austere +[severe, or strict] and only means of attaining to public office. + +"It is, after having opposed to all the obstacles, and to all the +snares, which were laid for me, the courageous and persevering +patriotism of an army, sacrificed perhaps to conspiracies against its +commander, (Lafayette was the commander) that I now oppose to this +faction the _correspondence_ of a _ministry, worthy_ representative of +its _club_--a correspondence, the calculations of which are false, its +promises vain and illusory--its information deceitful or frivolous--its +advice perfidious or contradictory--correspondence, in which _after_ +pressing me to advance without precaution--to attack _without +means_--they finally began to tell me that _resistance_ was +_impossible_, when I indignantly repelled the cowardly and base +assertion. What a remarkable conformity of language, gentlemen, between +the factions whom the _aristocracy_ avow, and those who _usurp_ the +_name_ of _patriots_! They both wish to overthrow our laws, rejoice in +our disorders, array themselves against the constituted authorities, +detest the national guards (the militia)--preach insubordination to the +army--sow, at one moment, distrust, at another, discouragement. + +"As to myself, gentlemen, _who embraced the American cause at the +moment when its ambassadors declared to me that it was perilous or +desperate_--who from that moment have devoted my life to a persevering +defence of liberty and of the sovereignty of the people--who, on the +14th of July, 1789 after the taking of the Bastille, in presenting to +my country a declaration of rights dared to say "that in order that a +nation should be free, it is only necessary that it should _will_ so +to be." I come, this day, full of confidence in the justice of our +cause--of contempt, for the cowards who desert it, and of indignation +against the traitors who would sully or stain it with crimes; I am +ready to declare that the French nation, if it is not the vilest in +the universe, can and ought to resist the conspiracy of kings who have +coalesced against it! + +"It is not in the midst of my brave army that timid counsels should be +permitted.--Patriotism, discipline, patience, mutual confidence, all the +military and civil virtues I find here. Here the principles of liberty +and equality are cherished, the laws respected, property held sacred. +Here calumnies and factions are unknown. And when I reflect that France +has many millions who can become _such_ soldiers, I ask myself, to +what a degree of _debasement_ must such an immense people be reduced, +stronger in its natural resources than in its artificial defences, +opposing to a monstrous and discordant confederation, simple and +united counsels and combinations, that the cowardly, degrading idea +of sacrificing its soverignty, of permitting any discussion as to its +liberties, of committing to negotiation its rights, could be considered +among the _possibilities_ of a rapidly advancing futurity! + +"But, in order that we, soldiers of liberty, should combat for her +with efficacy, or _die_ for her with any _fruit_ or advantage, it is +necessary that the number of the defenders of the country should be +promptly made in some degree proportionate to that of our opponents; +that the supplies of all descriptions should be increased so as to +facilitate our movements; that the comfort and conveniences of the +troops, their clothes and arms, their pay, the accommodations for the +sick, should no longer be subject to fatal delays, or to a miserable and +misplaced economy, which defeats its very end. + +"It is _above all, necessary_ that the citizens rallied round their +constitution, should be assured that the rights which that constitution +guarantees shall be respected with a _religious_ fidelity; which will of +itself cause more despair to our enemies than any other measure. + +"Do not repel this desire--this ardent wish. It is that of all the +sincere friends of your legitimate authority; assured that no _unjust_ +consequence or effect can flow from a _pure_ principle--that no +tyrannical measure can save a cause, which owes its _force_, aye, +and its glory, to the sacred principles of liberty and equality. Let +criminal jurisprudence resume its _constitutional_ power. Let civil +equality--let religious freedom enjoy the application of their true +principles. In fine, let the reign of the _clubs_ be _annihilated_ by +you; let them give place to the laws--_their_ usurpations to the +firm and independent exercise of the powers of the constituted +authorities--their disorganizing maxims to the true principles of +liberty--their delirious fury to the calm and constant courage of a +nation which knows its rights, and is ready to defend them--in fine, +their sectarian combinations to the true interests of the country, of +the nation, which in a moment of danger ought to unite _all_, except +those, to whom its subjection and ruin are the objects of atrocious +pleasure and infamous speculation. + +"LAFAYETTE." + + +"_Camp of Maubeuge, June_, 16, 1792. + +"SIRE--I have the honor to send your Majesty the copy of a letter to the +National Assembly, in which you will find expressed the sentiments +which have animated me all my life. The King knows with what ardour and +perseverance I have at all times been devoted to the cause of liberty +and to the principles of humanity, equality and justice. He knows, +that I have always been the adversary of _faction_, the enemy of +licentiousness, and that no power which I thought illegal has ever +been acknowledged by me. He is acquainted with my devotion to his +constitutional authority, and with my attachment to his person. Such, +Sire, were the grounds of my letter to the National Assembly; such shall +be those of my conduct to the nation and your Majesty, amidst the storms +raised around to by hostile or by factious combinations. + +"It does not belong to me, Sire, to give greater importance to my +opinions and actions, than what is due to the individual conduct of a +simple citizen. But the expression of my thoughts was always a right, +and on this occasion becomes a duty; and though I should have performed +it sooner, if, instead of being in a camp, I had remained in that +retirement from which I was forced by the dangers of my country: yet I +do not think that any public employment or private consideration exempts +me from exercising this duty of a citizen, this right of a freeman. + +"Persist, Sire, supported by the authority delegated to you by the +national will, in the noble resolution of defending constitutional +principles against all their enemies. Let this resolution, maintained by +all the actions of your private life, as well as by a firm and complete +exercise of the royal power; become the pledge of the harmony, which, +particularly, at this critical juncture, cannot fail to be established +between the _elected_ representatives of the people and their +_hereditary_ representative. It is in this resolution, Sire, that glory +and safety will be found for the country and for yourself. With this +you will find the friends of liberty, all _good_ Frenchmen ranged +around your throne, to defend it against the plots of rebels and the +enterprizes of the factious; and I, Sire, who in their honorable hatred +have found the reward of my persevering opposition; I will always +deserve it, by my zeal in the cause to which my whole life has been +devoted, and by my fidelity to the oath I have taken to the nation, to +the law and to the King. Such, Sire, are the unalterable sentiments I +present to your Majesty, with my respect. + +"LAFAYETTE" + + +Letter of Lafayette on leaving Paris to join his army, after having +appeared at the bar of the National Assembly, and protested against +their proceedings, the last of June. + + +"Gentlemen--In returning to the post where brave soldiers are ready to +die for the constitution, but ought not and will not lavish their blood +except for that, I go with great and deep regret in not being able to +inform the army, that the National Assembly have yet deigned to come to +any determination on my petition. [Alluding to the request in his letter +to the assembly a short time before, to suppress the Jacobin clubs.] +The voice of all the good citizens of the kingdom, which some factious +clamours strive to stifle, daily call to the elected representatives of +the people, that while there exists near them a sect who fetter all the +authorities, and menace their independence; and who, after provoking +war, are endeavoring, by changing the nature of our cause, to make +it impossible to defend it; that while there is cause to blush at the +impunity of an act of treason against the nation, which has raised +just and great alarms in the minds of all the French, and universal +indignation; our liberty, laws and honor are in danger. Truths like +these, free and generous souls are not afraid of speaking. Hostile to +the factious of every kind, indignant at cowards that can sink so low +as to look for foreign interposition, and impressed with the principle, +which I glory in being the first to declare to France, _that all illegal +power is oppression, against which resistance becomes a duty_, we are +anxious to make known our fears to the legislative body. We hope that +the prudence of the representatives of the people will relieve our +minds of them. As for me, gentlemen, who will never alter my principles, +sentiments or language, I thought that the National Assembly, +considering the urgency and danger of circumstances, would permit me to +add my regrets and wishes to my profound respect." + +Noble and generous sentiments, worthy of the disciple of our great +Washington--'worthy of the philanthropic hero and firm friend of civil +liberty'--worthy of the adopted citizen of free and independent America! +Such were the opinions and sentiments of Washington and his friends, +in 1794, when our republic was assailed by foreign emissaries, and +convulsed by secret associations at home, who through ignorance or +design were advocates for measures which would have thrown our country +into a state of anarchy and misrule. + +There was still a small majority in the National Assembly who were the +friends of constitutional liberty, and advocates of Lafayette. But +the Jacobins were every day increasing; and they felt confident of +the popular favor. Enraged at his bold and independent conduct, and +suspecting, perhaps that he was a secret supporter of all the wishes +of the King, they denounced Lafayette as a traitor and an enemy to +the republic. In this state of extreme ferment, while he was openly +threatened and every attempt was making to render him odious to the +populace, he had the courage (some might say, the rashness) to proceed +to Paris, and present himself to the bar of the National Assembly. Few +men, in such a situation, would have thus hazarded their lives; but he +was strong in conscious rectitude. He appeared before his enemies with +dignity and firmness. "He entreated the assembly to come forward +and save the country from ruin, by dissolving the factious clubs and +inflicting exemplary punishment on the authors of the late disgraceful +riots." His friends were numerous in the Assembly, and probably the +greater number condemned the violent transactions, against which he +raised his voice in the legislative hall of the nation. The national +guards in Paris, also, manifested their attachment to Lafayette. They +assembled before the hotel in which he lodged; and planting a tree of +liberty before the door, which they decorated with ensigns and ribbons, +they greeted him with enthusiastic applause. But he was destined to +suffer a reverse of fortune, and to be the subject of the most unjust +and cruel persecution. The violent party prevailed: Lafayette and +constitutional liberty, were proscribed; and the spirit of anarchy and +misrule dictated the violent proceedings which deluged France in blood. + +Lafayette, finding all his attempts to restore order and to maintain the +constitution in vain, speedily returned to the army on the frontiers. +This must have been a moment of great anxiety and suspense. Some suppose +that, attached as most of the military were to him and supported by his +friends of the moderate party, if he had marched his troops to Paris he +might have defended the King from indignity, and restored the reign of +law. But this is doubtful. The probability is, that with his love of +justice and his correct principles, he could not persuade himself "that +the end would justify the means;" and that he chose rather to submit +to a cruel destiny, than to violate the constitution he had sworn +to support, by resorting to physical force for the accomplishment of +honorable purposes, and to be the occasion even indirectly of increasing +the misery, in which his unhappy country was involved. He was, indeed, +accused by his enemies of a design to march to Paris with his troops and +to force the assembly into a compliance with his views. But this was a +most unfounded calumny. When the minister for the home department wrote +to him on the subject, in the name of the Assembly he replied--"If +I were questioned respecting my principles, I should say, that as +a constant proclaimer and defender of the rights of man, and the +sovereignty of the people, I have every where and always resisted +authorities which liberty disavowed and which the national will had not +delegated; and that I have every where and always obeyed those, of +which a free constitution had fixed the forms and the limits. But I am +questioned respecting a fact--Did I propose to Marshal Luckner to march +to Paris with our armies? To which I answer in four words--_It is not +true_." + +Under the pretence that General Lafayette was meditating some plan +hostile to the cause of liberty, or designed to aid the King in +another attempt to escape from France, three commissioners were sent to +counteract his movements. But he was notified of their appointment, and +ordered their arrest before they reached his army. He knew they were +deputed by a faction, and hoped the assembly would return to more +moderate and just views. He addressed the following letter to the troops +under his command. "It is no longer time to conceal from you what is +going forward. The constitution you swore to maintain is no more; +a troop of factious men besieged the palace of the Tuilleries; the +national and Swiss guards made a brave resistance, but they were obliged +to surrender, and were inhumanly murdered. The King, Queen and all the +royal family escaped to the National Assembly; the factious ran thither, +holding a sword in one hand and fire in the other, and forced the +legislative body to supersede the King, which was done for the sake of +saving his life. Citizens, you are no longer represented; the National +Assembly are in a state of slavery; Petion reigns; the savage Danton and +his satellites are masters. Thus it is for you to determine whether you +will support the hereditary representative of the throne, or submit to +the disgrace of having a Petion for your king." + +The appeal was in vain. Though a momentary respond was given by the +soldiers to the sentiments of their magnanimous commander, the baleful +influence of faction had corrupted many of them; and finding himself +robbed of the confidence of the army, as well as of the assembly, and +thus deprived of all hope of being useful to his country, he quitted +France, with an intention of retiring to America, where he had just +reason to expect a grateful reception. + +Thus terminated the revolutionary career of Lafayette; through the whole +of which he appears to the impartial observer to have acted an honorable +and disinterested part. If he committed faults, they were those of +opinion or judgment; in sincerity and in zealous devotion to the liberty +of his country, he was exceeded by none. He may justly be considered +"an illustrious confessor of regulated liberty." His great object was to +reform existing abuses, to lay the foundation of constitutional freedom: +and with all his zeal for the recognition and the support of the rights +of man, he was desirous of preserving a just measure of authority in +the crowns and maintaining a sacred regard to law and justice. That he +failed in his wishes of introducing into France a more mild and popular +government, is matter of regret with the friends of civil liberty in +America. But he cannot justly be censured by them for the failure of his +object, or for the excesses which attended the revolution. The violent +proceedings of the jacobins, which excited so much horror among the +friends of regulated liberty in other countries, were opposed by him +personally with singular firmness and constancy. He distinguished, with +great accuracy, between the will of the people and the clamours of a +faction; and between the deliberate acts of the legislature sanctioned +by the constitution, and the hasty sentence or orders of a party, +adopted without the usual forms of law, so necessary to the order and +welfare of society. + +Lafayette was arrested by an Austrian General, and delivered over to the +King of Prussia, who ordered him to be confined in a prison at Wesel +and at Magdeburg. Here he suffered some time, when he was removed to the +fortress of Olmutz. In this place he was kept under the most rigorous +confinement--enduring the privations and severity fit only to be +inflicted on the greatest criminals. + +After a close confinement of several weeks in the common prison at +Wesel, he was removed to Magdeburg, and thence to Olmutz. At Magdeburg +he was confined for a year, in a dark and solitary dungeon; during which +he was offered his liberty, on condition of his joining with the enemies +of France. He spurned the proposal with indignation; and preferred +imprisonment and indignity, to treachery or hostility to his own +country. When first taken into custody, he was treated with insult +by the people of some places through which he was conducted; but +afterwards, a deep interest was manifested in his behalf, and the +warmest sympathy was expressed for his unfortunate condition. + +The following is an extract from a letter of Lafayette in 1793, while +confined at Magdeburg. + +"Since my captivity, but one political paper has reached me, and that is +yours for February. I appreciate, with deep sensibility, the justice you +render my sentiments, and the approbation you bestow upon my conduct. +Your commendations are greatly beyond my deserts; but your kind +exaggerations contain, at this moment, something so generous, I cannot +withhold from you my thanks, that you have enabled me to hear the voice +of liberty honoring my tomb. My situation is peculiarly strange. I have +sacrificed my republican partialities to the state and wishes of the +nation: I obeyed the sovereign power where I found it vested, in the +constitution. My popularity was as great as I could desire; for the +legislative body defended me better on the 8th of August, than it +defended itself on the 10th. But I became obnoxious to the _Jacobins_, +because I reprobated their aristocracy, which aimed at usurping all +legitimate authority. + +"From Constantinople to Lisbon, from Kamschatka to Amsterdam, every +bastille is ready to receive me. The Huron and Iroquois forests are +peopled with my friends; the despots and the courts of Europe, they +are the only savages I fear. I am aware that the laws of England would +protect me, though the court of St. James is opposed to me: but I cannot +seek protection in a country at war with my own. _America_, the country +of my heart, would welcome me with joy. Yet my fears for the future +destiny of France, induce me to give the preference to Switzerland, at +least for the present." + +After this, he was confined about four years in the prison of Olmutz, +when Henry Bollman, a young German physician, and Francis Huger, an +American, (son of Colonel Huger, of South Carolina, who had first +received Lafayette when he arrived in the United States, in 1777,) made +great personal sacrifices, and exposed themselves to imminent dangers to +effect his escape. General Washington also, then President of the United +States, repeatedly solicited his release, on the ground of his being an +American citizen, as he really was by a legal adoption. But his requests +were vain. It was not consistent with the policy of the "Legitimates" of +Europe, to show any favor to such a friend of liberty as Lafayette, or +to listen to the honorable application of the chief magistrate of the +American republic. + +We have already seen frequent proofs of the peculiar regard which +Washington cherished for Lafayette. He did not forget him when immured +in the prison at Olmutz. Such was the state of political affairs in +Europe, such the suspicions both of the jacobins in France, and the +advocates for monarchy in the surrounding nations, that a formal and +public request for the release of Lafayette, would have been of no +avail. It would probably have added to the severity of his treatment +by his implacable enemies. The American ministers residing at foreign +courts were instructed, however, to suggest on proper occasions, the +wishes of the President of the United States, for his enlargement. A +confidential person was sent to Berlin to solicit his discharge. But +Lafayette had been placed in the custody of the Austrian cabinet, before +the messenger arrived. The American envoy at the court of St. James, +exerted himself in favour of the heroic friend of Washington, but +without effect. As the last resource, the President wrote directly to +the Emperor of Germany on the subject. Justice both to Washington and +Lafayette requires the recital of the letter. + +"It will readily occur to your majesty, that occasions may sometimes +exist, on which official considerations would constrain the chief of a +nation to be silent and passive in relation even to objects which affect +his sensibility, and claim his interposition as a man. Finding myself +precisely in this situation at present, I take the liberty of writing +this private letter to your majesty, being persuaded that my motives +will also be my apology for it. + +"In common with the people of this country, I retain a strong and +cordial sense of the services rendered to them by the Marquis de +Lafayette; and my friendship for him has been constant and sincere. It +is natural, therefore, that I should sympathize with him and his family +in their misfortunes; and endeavour to mitigate the calamities they +experience, among which his present confinement is not the least +distressing. + +"I forbear to enlarge on this delicate subject. Permit me only to submit +to your majesty's consideration, whether his long imprisonment and the +confiscation of his estate, and the indigence and dispersion of his +family, and the painful anxieties incident to all these circumstances, +do not form an assemblage of sufferings which recommend him to the +mediation of humanity? Allow me, Sir, on this occasion to be its organ; +and to entreat that he may be permitted to come to this country, on such +conditions as your majesty may think it expedient to prescribe. + +"As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, under similar circumstances, +I would not grant, your majesty will do me the justice to believe that +this request appears to me, to correspond with those great principles of +magnanimity and wisdom, which form the basis of sound policy and durable +glory."--But his imperial majesty was either destitute of the _humanity_ +and _magnanimity_, to which Washington appealed; or was prevented +granting the request, through some promises to an "_holy alliance_," +which even then existed among the princes of Europe. + +Several members of the British Parliament made an effort, at this time, +for the enlargement of Lafayette and his three friends from the dungeon +of Olmutz. General Fitzpatrick moved for an address to his majesty, +stating "that the detention of Lafayette and others by order of the King +of Prussia and Emperor of Austria, was dishonorable to the cause of the +allies, and praying him to interfere for their release." In support of +his motion, he remarked, that although Lafayette was imprisoned by the +allied powers on the continent, yet the government of Great Britain +would be implicated in the cruel act, unless it should attempt his +liberation, as it had now become a member of the coalition against the +anarchical conduct of the French. He contended that justice and humanity +required them to intercede in behalf of this oppressed and injured man. +The generous Briton insisted, that Lafayette, though a friend to civil +liberty, was a firm advocate for constitutional principles, and was +in favor of the power of the King as in a limited monarchy: and made a +powerful appeal to the generosity and honor of his countrymen, to unite +in soliciting for the freedom of Lafayette. Colonel Tarlton, then a +member of Parliament, who had been opposed to Lafayette in America, in +the campaign of 1781, supported the motion of his military friend; and +with great eloquence, urged the propriety and justice of his liberation. +Mr. Fox also spoke in favor of an address to the King, for this humane +purpose. But their arguments and their eloquence were vain. It did not +consist with the existing policy of the British cabinet, to listen to +the proposition. The motion was lost by a large majority. + +Bollman proceeded to Olmutz, and thence to Vienna, where he was so +fortunate as to meet with young Huger; and they cordially united in the +humane and chivalrous project of rescuing the generous Lafayette, They +both repaired immediately to Olmutz, and there became acquainted with +two other gentlemen, who favoured their benevolent scheme. But the +difficulty of effecting it can be easily imagined. A physician of Olmutz +was engaged to make known the plan to Lafayette, when he visited him in +prison, then in reality, or apparently in a debilitated state of health. +He had, in fact, been attacked with fever at Magdeburg, which at one +time was feared would terminate his valuable life, and from the effects +of which he had not fully recovered. By him a note was communicated +to Lafayette, which he answered with his blood. In a short time, the +physician prevailed on the governor of the city to permit his prisoner +to take an airing, occasionally, in a coach, attended by a guard. It +was concerted, that in one of his short excursions with the governor, he +should leave the carriage under some pretence, when he was to be joined +by Bollman and Huger, and immediately conducted under cover of a dark +night, to the confines of Silesia, beyond the territory of the Emperor +of Austria. He alighted from the carriage, near a small wood, and his +generous friends, who were ready to protect him, immediately attempted +to convey him away on horseback; but the guard, which accompanied the +carriage, suspecting some design, pushed forward into the wood, +and attempted to seize the noble prisoner, and his brave friends. A +desperate struggle ensued, in which the Marquis was wounded; but they +succeeded in escaping from the guard. Huger was seen and followed +by some of the peasantry; and after a long pursuit was overtaken and +secured. The governor and his guard returned to Olmutz; alarm guns were +immediately fired, and the whole population for several miles was soon +engaged in search of Lafayette and Bollman. They were taken in the +course of the evening, at the distance of about ten miles from Olmutz, +and conveyed back to the prison, where a most rigorous confinement +awaited them. Lafayette was put in irons, and suffered the most +excruciating torture. He was in a feeble state, overcome by fatigue, +and suffering greatly from the bruises and wounds received in his late +attempt to escape. "His anxieties, his anguish (and despair we may +almost say,) at finding himself again in the power of his unrelenting +jailor, so affected his nerves, that his fever returned with increased +and alarming violence. In this state he was allowed nothing but a little +damp and mouldy straw; irons were put round his feet, and round his +waist was a chain, fastened to the wall, which barely permitted him to +turn from one side to the other. No light was admitted into his cell; +and he was refused even the smallest allowance of linen. + +"The winter of 1794-95 was very severe, but his inhuman jailors did +not relax from the rigour of prescribed and systematic oppression. It +seemed, indeed as if their object was to put an end to their victim's +existence by this ingenious device of incessant cruelty. Worn down by +disease and the rigour of the season, his hair fell from his head, and +he was emaciated to the last degree. To these physical distresses were +soon super added those mental anxieties, which perhaps, were still more +difficult to endure. The only information he could obtain respecting the +fate of his wife and children, for whom he felt the greatest solicitude, +was, that they were confided in the prisons of Paris: and in reply to +his enquiries concerning his most generous friends, Bollman and Huger, +he was informed by his unfeeling tormentors that they were soon to +perish by the hands of the hangman." + +Bollman and Huger were kept in close confinement in the prison at +Olmutz, for some time, for having attempted to rescue Lafayette from his +cruel imprisonment. The keepers of the prison were unfeeling men; and +instead of slowing any favour to their prisoners, who ought to have +received their admiration, subjected them to unnecessary severity. They +were subjected to strict examination, after a long confinement, and the +sentence of their judges was in favour of their liberation, on paying +a large amount to government. By the aid of some generous friends, they +were furnished with the requisite sums, and discharged from the prison. +But Lafayette was still detained in prison, and in the same suffering +and shameful condition as before mentioned. It was several months before +his irons and chains were removed; which was effected through the very +benevolent individuals, who had secretly favoured his recent attempt to +escape; but who, happily both for him and themselves, were not suspected +of any agency in the plot: these were an opulent Jewish merchant, and +the chief surgeon to the prisoners. They prevailed also with the civil +authority to grant permission to the Marquis to walk an hour each day, +in front of the prison, though in custody of a strong guard of soldiers, +and no one was allowed to speak to him. + +Unutterably painful and distressing must have been the situation +of Madame Lafayette ever after the fatal day, when her beloved and +affectionate husband felt it his duty to depart from France, and leave +her and their three children unprotected, and subject to the insults +and severities of an enraged and lawless mob. She and her two daughters, +then about fifteen and twelve, were cast into prison in Paris. The +family estates were confiscated, and most of his particular friends +fell by the stroke of the guillotine. In this agonizing condition, she +maintained the most wonderful fortitude and patience; without uncommon +firmness and sincere trust in providence, she must have sunk under such +deep and complicated distress. While she was in prison, she was often +found in a retired spot, engaged in holy and humble supplication to +heaven. When she was released from the prison, after about twenty months +of degrading confinement, her constitution was greatly enfeebled, and +her friends and physician advised her to seek repose at some retired +place in the country. But she refused, and feeble and emaciated as she +was, she resolved to proceed immediately to Olmutz, and to bury herself +in prison with her husband, unless she could possibly procure his +liberation. With this purpose in view, she went first to Vienna, to +endeavour to concilitate the favor and influence of the Emperor. Through +the friendly interposition of two noble females, acquainted at court, +she was admitted to an audience with the Emperor. + +He received her graciously, and professed a desire that her request +might be fulfilled; but gave no positive orders for the liberation +of Lafayette because his _political_ engagements with other courts +prevented it. He, however, consented that she might visit her husband. +She accordingly repaired to Olmutz, to minister, as an angel of light, +to his comfort, though not clothed with power to give him that liberty, +which they ardently hoped. She and her daughters shared with him the +confinement of a dreary prison, for nearly two years. It was not until +1797, that they were set at liberty: and this was immediately owing to +the influence of General Bonaparte, on his victories over the Austrians +in that year. Lafayette expressed his gratitude for this generous +interference; but he made no sacrifice of principle, and was never his +admirer or supporter. + +While confined in the prison of Olmutz, with her husband, Madame +Lafayette, whose health was much impaired by her sorrows and suffering, +requested leave to visit Vienna for a week. She was informed her request +would be granted on condition, that her daughters should be kept in a +separate apartment from their father, and that she herself would never +again enter the prison. She declined the offer, with indignation. Her +letter on the subject, concludes thus-"Whatever may be the state of my +own health and the inconvenience attending the stay of my daughters in +this place we will most gratefully take advantage of the goodness his +imperial majesty has expressed towards us, by the _permission to share +in the miseries of this captivity_." + +When the Emperor of Austria agreed to his liberation, he proposed +certain conditions, to which Lafayette refused his assent. One was that +he should immediately leave Europe and embark to America. "This", said +the noble-minded Marquis, "has often been my desire and intention: but +as my consent to this proposition, at the present moment, would be an +acknowledgment of his right to impose such a condition, I cannot comply +with the demand."--The other was, that as the principles which Lafayette +professed were supposed to be incompatible with the safety of the +Austrian government, the Emperor could not consent that he should again +enter his territory without a special permission. To this Lafayette +replied, "that there already existed antecedent obligations, of which +he could not divest himself; partly towards America, but chiefly towards +France; and that he could not engage to do any thing, which should +interfere with the rights of his country to his personal services. With +these exceptions, he assured the Emperor's ambassador, that it was +his firm resolution not to set foot again on any part of his Majesty's +dominions." + +When he was set free from the long and severe incarceration at Olmutz, +Lafayette proceeded to the neutral city of Hamburg, with his family; +where he received the kindest and most respectful attentions from +some American gentlemen, then in that place, and also from many of +the distinguished citizens, who cherished the highest regard for his +character, and his meritorious services in the cause of liberty. It +was at this time, that his son, George Washington Lafayette, joined the +family, on his return from the United States, where he had just then +passed several years. After a short residence in Hamburg, Lafayette +accepted the invitation of an Hanoverian nobleman, and passed some +time at his elegant chateau in Holstein, where his eldest daughter +was married to Latour Maubourg, a brother of one of the Marquis' staff +officers, who retired with him from France, August 1792; and had shared +with him the severities of the prison of Magdeburg and Olmutz. He then +resided some time in the family of a French emigrant, living in that +vicinity, and who was a distant relative of Madame Lafayette. In this +situation he studied the agriculture of Holstein; and gave particular +attention to the raising of merino sheep, an object in which he was also +engaged after his return to La Grange, his country seat near Paris. + +In 1800 a new revolution took place in the French government. The +Directors were found to be incompetent to the support of order; cabals +and factions still existed, and confusion prevailed through the +nation. General Bonaparte, who had led the armies to victory in several +campaigns, was ambitious of the sole direction of public affairs. The +executive power, by the new constitution, was to be placed in three +Consuls, of whom Napoleon was elected chief. A Conservative Senate, so +called, was to constitute a part of the Legislature and to be joined +with the Consuls also in providing for the public welfare in cases of +particular emergency. By the constitutionalists and those opposed to the +violent factions, by which France had been long agitated and disgraced, +this change was considered as auspicious to the cause of rational +liberty. They hoped that a more stable government would be now formed, +and that their country would enjoy a season of repose. Lafayette seized +this favorable moment to return to France, after an absence of nearly +eight years. His patriotic feelings had not abated, though he had +suffered so long and so intensely from the hatred of those who directed +the destinies of his country. His love of liberty was not weakened, +though many of his countrymen, with its sacred name on their lips, +had committed excesses almost without a parallel in the most despotic +governments. The First Consul incited Lafayette to take a seat in the +Conservative Senate; but he declined; by which he gave new proofs of his +disinterested and sincere attachment to the constitutional liberty and +the rights of the people. After several conversations with Bonaparte, +he was satisfied of the ambitious views of this military adventurer. +He perceived that the constitution was to serve as an apology for +the exercise of unlimited power in the First Consul; and that +representatives and senators were to be the humble ministers of his +will. He saw that the constitution did not emanate from the will of +the people; and was not calculated to secure and promote their welfare. +Bonaparte also had discernment to learn, that Lafayette was too sincere +a friend to civil liberty and to the interests of the people, to support +his purposes, or to submit to his plans of personal aggrandizement. + +We shall have a more just estimation of the noble sentiments with which +Lafayette was animated, in declining the generous offers of the First +Consul, when it is considered, that, in addition to his self-banishment +to private life, he also refused an honorable salary of 7000 dollars, +when the estates which remained in his possession yielded only +2000 dollars. He had a grant of land from the American Congress, in +consideration of his important services in the revolution, estimated to +be worth 100,000 dollars. Before the revolution, his income was 50,000 +dollars: but the most valuable of his patrimonial property, as well +as that which accrued to him in consequence of his marriage, had been +seized by the lawless robbers of the revolution. + +It was in conformity to the principles, which he had long professed +and by which he was constantly guided, that he soon after opposed the +election of Bonaparte as Consul for life. He would have consented, +perhaps, to the claims of the aspiring Napoleon to be the First +Magistrate of France, under a constitution, which expressly defined +and restricted his power, and at the same time provided a sufficient +guaranty of the liberties of the people. + +On this occasion he wrote thus to the First Consul--"When a man, who is +deeply impressed with a sense of the gratitude he owes you, and who is +too ardent a lover of glory to be indifferent to yours, connects his +suffrage with conditional restrictions, those restrictions not only +secure him from suspicion, but prove amply, that no one will more gladly +than himself behold in you the chief magistrate for life, of a free and +independent republic. + +"The eighteenth Brumaire saved France from destruction and I felt myself +reassured and recalled by the liberal declarations to which you have +connected the sanction of your honor. In your consular authority there +was afterwards discerned that salutary dictatorial prerogative, which +under the auspices of a genius like yours, accomplished such glorious +purposes--yet less glorious, let me add, than the restoration of liberty +would prove. + +"It is not possible, general, that you, the first among that order of +mankind, which surveys every age and every country, can desire that a +revolution, marked by an unexampled series of stupendous victories and +unheard of sufferings, shall give nothing to the world but a renovated +system of arbitrary government. The people of this country have been +acquainted with their rights too long, to forget them forever: but +perhaps they may recover and enjoy them better now than during the +period of revolutionary effervescence. And you, by the strength of your +character and the influence of public confidence, by the superiority +of your talents, your power, and your fortunes, in re-establishing the +liberties of France, can allay all agitations, calm all anxieties and +subdue all dangers. + +"When I wish, then, to see the career of your glory crowned by the +honors of perpetual magistracy, I but act in correspondence with my +own private sentiments, and am influenced exclusively by patriotic +considerations. But all my political and moral obligations, the +principles which have governed every action of my life, call on me to +pause before I bestow on you my suffrage, until I feel assured that your +authority shall be erected on a basis worthy of the nation and yourself. + +"I confidently trust, general, that you will recognize here, as you +have done on all other occasions, a steady continuance of my political +opinions, combined with the sincerest prayers for your welfare, and the +deepest sense of all my obligations towards you." + +Here closed all connexion between Lafayette and Bonaparte. The First +Consul not only avoided all intercourse with one so sincerely devoted +to the cause of liberty; but he treated him with that studied neglect, +which was little short of persecution. There was indeed nothing +congenial either in the character or principles of these two +distinguished men. The one was aiming at power by any means, without +regard to the rights or happiness of his fellow men; the other was +anxious for the permanent establishment of a mild government in his +native country, for the true welfare and liberty of the people; and +was willing to make every sacrifice for the attainment of such great +objects. + +The unfriendly feelings of Bonaparte were extended even to the younger +Lafayette. This patriotic youth, with much of the public spirit of +his noble father, engaged in the service of his country soon after his +return from America. He was an aid of the brave Grouchy, general of +division; an active, intelligent, meritorious officer, and distinguished +on various occasions. But he received neither advancement nor +distinction from the Emperor. It was, on the contrary, the wish of +Napoleon, that young Lafayette would send in his resignation, and retire +from the army. When this was made known to him, he observed, "that as +long as his country was involved in war, he should not disgrace himself +by a resignation; and that he should be ashamed to think of it, while +his companions were daily exposing themselves to danger. It was true, he +was an American citizen, but he was first of all a Frenchman and a loyal +Frenchman." + +G. W. Lafayette was much esteemed by the officers who knew him, of all +ranks; and they frequently solicited his promotion; but the Emperor +disregarded alike the merits of the youthful hero and the entreaties +of his military friends. He continued in the army until the treaty of +Tilsit. + +To a man of his great sensibility and warmth of affection, the severest +affliction which Lafayette has been called to endure, great and various +as have been his sufferings, now awaited him. His amiable, his attached +and devoted wife was torn from him, in his retreat, within a few years +after his return to France; when he more than ever, perhaps, needed +her company and solace, to fortify his mind under the multiplied +disappointments from the world. + +She had never enjoyed perfect health after her imprisonment at +Olmutz. But possessed of uncommon fortitude and imbued with religious +sentiments, she was still instrumental in promoting the happiness of +her husband and family. Her patience, her equanimity, her sweetness of +temper never forsook her. But her constitution was broken, and a sudden +paralysis deprived her of her physical strength and almost of speech. +At the urgent request of her husband, though with reluctance, she was +conveyed to Paris for medical assistance; but it proved in vain. She +died in December 1807. + +While Madame de Lafayette was in the prison in Paris, though treated +with the greatest severity by Robespierre and his party, she had the +consolation of sharing in the sympathetic kindness and assistance of +many individuals, who were willing to expose themselves to the hatred +of her cruel persecutors for her relief. A gentleman from Boston, +Joseph Russel, Esq. then a resident in Paris, made great efforts for her +liberation; although by this generous interference he hazarded his +own life. It was through his friendly assistance, that her son G. W. +Lafayette, then about fourteen years of age, was conveyed to the United +States, where he remained till the discharge of his parents from the +dungeons of Olmutz. + +About this period, and soon after the death of his amiable wife, General +Lafayette received a severe fracture in one of his legs, by a fall, +which occasioned his confinement for nearly twelve months, and was the +cause of his present lameness. He had been transacting business with the +minister of the marine; and in going from the office to his carriage, a +distance of two hundred paces, late in the evening, after a heavy rain +and sleet, which had rendered it dangerous walking, he fell suddenly and +broke a bone. + +For six or seven years, till 1814, when Louis XVIII. returned to France +to mount the throne of the Bourbons, Lafayette resided at his chateau +of La Grange, an inactive spectator of the political changes which +took place. No doubt he had a sufficient apology for this inaction and +voluntary retreat from public affairs. He was too honest and too candid, +too much an enemy to the anarchy of the jacobin factions, and to the +despotism of the Emperor, to support either, or to be received into +their confidence. He would probably have been satisfied with the +restoration of a Bourbon to the throne, if the throne could be founded +in a constitution, admitting the representatives of the people to a +share in legislation, and defining the extent and the measure of +the executive authority. He was animated by the same principles and +sentiments which governed him in the part he acted in 1789 and 1792: and +although he might acquiesce in a different government, either under +the First Consul, or under Louis XVIII. he could not, consistently, +and therefore he chose not to forward their views by his own personal +influence and support. He was still calumniated by some agents of the +Bourbons, yet he declared, on the return of Bonaparte from Elba, to gain +the throne of France, "that in all measures, which should promote or be +consistent with the liberties of the people, he would aid the cause +of the legitimate heir of the crown." The views of Louis' friends and +allies were too arbitrary to lead them to expect his approbation and +aid. + +Louis XVIII. had not been long in France, before great discontent was +manifested among the citizens at the prospect of his being placed on the +throne of his brother. Napoleon and his friends took advantage of this +state of things: he left his retreat in the Island of Elba, and returned +to Paris. Louis was obliged to retire. Bonaparte, through his brother +Joseph, the ex-king of Spain, solicited of Lafayette to accept of a +peerage. But he promptly declined; but observed, "that if there should +be a convocation of a chamber of representatives," which he strenuously +urged, "he would consent to take a part in public affairs, should he +be elected." His independence and his want of faith in Napoleon, were +preserved, notwithstanding the urgent advances of the latter; and he +resolutely refused to go near him till after his final abdication. +Yet even at this time, Lafayette thought he might rely on "his cordial +opposition to all foreign invasion and influence, and to any family or +party which should avail itself of such assistance in order to attack +the independence and the liberties of France." Much as he distrusted the +views of Bonaparte, and desirous as he was of some explicit guaranty, +from him and his supporters, for the liberty of the French people, he +would not unite with the Bourbons, who were resolved to place Louis +XVIII. firmly on the throne of his ancestors, by any means in their +power, and who had collected an army of one million two hundred thousand +foreigners to accomplish their object, at the risque of a civil war, +and a general slaughter, similar to that with which the unprincipled, +revolutionary Jacobins had before afflicted the nation. + +Lafayette was now elected a member of the chamber of deputies from his +own department, though he had protested against the articles of the +constitution of the empire, and of the additional act which conspired +against the _sovereignty_ of the people, and the rights of the citizens. +This was a strong proof of the sense the people had of his integrity +and his patriotism. After the battle of Waterloo, Napoleon returned to +Paris, in consternation, and undecided as to the course he would pursue +on this signal reverse of fortune. Some of his friends advised him again +to abdicate the office of Emperor, which he held by so precarious a +tenure; others suggested decisive and bold measures, with a view to +fortify himself in power, even in apposition to the will and wishes of +the deputies. He attempted to prorogue the chamber of representatives, +and have himself proclaimed perpetual dictator. Lafayette was then +present in the chamber; and with his usual independence and energy, made +the following observations. + +"When, for the first time for many years, I raise my voice; which the +old friends of liberty will recognise again, I feel constrained to +address you, gentlemen, on the imminent danger of the country, which you +alone are able to prevent. + +"Disastrous reports have been circulated and are now unhappily +confirmed. Now is the time to rally round the old tri-coloured standard +of 1789, of liberty, of equality, and of public order. It is this alone +which we are bound to defend against foreign pretensions and domestic +factions. Allow a veteran in this holy cause, who has always been an +enemy to the baneful spirit of dissension, to submit the following +preliminary resolutions" of which I hope you will admit the necessity. + +"_First_. The Chamber of Representatives declare that the independence +of the nation is endangered. + +"_Second_. The Chamber declare themselves in continued session--That +every attempt to prorogue the Chamber shall be considered high +treason--That any one guilty of such an attempt shall be deemed a +traitor to his country, and be instantly proceeded against as such. + +"_Third_. The army of the line and the national guards, who have fought +and are still fighting for the independence of France, deserve the +gratitude of their Country. + +"_Fourth_. The minister of the interior is directed to assemble the +general staff, the commandants and majors of the legion of the national +guard of Paris, to consult on the means of supplying them with arms, and +to render complete this citizen-guard; whose zeal and patriotism having +been proved for twenty-six years, offer a sure guaranty of the +liberty, the property and the tranquility of the capital, and of the +inviolability of the representatives of the nation. + +"_Fifth_. The ministers of war, of foreign relations, of the interior +and of the police, are invited to attend the assembly immediately." + +When the Emperor was informed that Lafayette was in the tribune, and +engaged in the discussions on the proposition of constituting him +dictator for life, he expressed great alarm and anxiety. He knew the +sentiments of Lafayette too well, not to feel assured of his opposition +to such a measure. For this consistent and zealous advocate for the +rights of the people had always been hostile to a chief magistrate, +under any title, who should possess absolute power; and contended for +a constitution to limit and define the executive authority. It was then +that. Bonaparte exclaimed, "Lafayette in the tribune!" and his great +agitation betrayed the belief, that his power was at an end. In this +situation, his armies defeated, and the representatives of the people +opposed to his wishes of a _perpetual_ dictatorship, he gave formal +notice of his purpose to abdicate the imperial authority. Lafayette +was at the head of the deputation appointed by the chamber of +representatives, to wait on the Emperor, to accept and thank him for his +abdication, A few days before this, when the deputies were accused of +being capricious and ungrateful, by a friend of Napoleon, Lafayette +observed, in reply, "go tell him that we can trust him no longer; we +ourselves will undertake the salvation of our country." + +Although he opposed the ambitious views of Bonaparte, and boldly and +decidedly remonstrated against his intention of again assuming absolute +power, yet he moved in the chamber of Representatives, at this time, +that the liberty and person of the late Emperor Napoleon should be +placed under the protection of the French nation; expecting, probably, +that the allied princes of Europe, already in the vicinity of Paris with +powerful armies, would take his life, or cause him to be imprisoned. + +Lafayette was one of the Commissioners appointed by the Chamber of +Deputies to propose to the allied powers a suspension of hostilities. +His object was to provide for the liberty of the people and to exact a +promise of some limitations and restrictions to the royal authority. +But the friends and supporters of the Bourbon dynasty, the hereditary +princes of Europe, had a powerful army in the suburbs of Paris, and they +refused to make any terms with the most moderate and honorable advocates +of popular rights. Though one tyrant was overthrown; another was to be +_forced_ upon them: not precisely an usurper indeed; but who, without +a constitution for his guide, and surrounded by men of arbitrary +principles might be instrumental in their oppression and degradation. +When he returned to Paris, he found the invading armies in possession +of the city. Napoleon escaped, and _nominal_ tranquility was restored to +the capital of France. But it was a tranquility produced by a military +force; and not that which is the effect of a wise and energetic +government founded in the will of the people. The doors of the assembly +were closed against the representatives of the people, by the _gens +d'armes_, the agents who restored the Bourbon dynasty. Many of the +deputies then assembled at the house of Lafayette; at whose instance +they repaired to the President's to record their testimony to this +forced and unjust exclusion, and to sign the _proces verbal_. + +As he alike disapproved of Louis or Napoleon assuming the power of King +or Emperor, without a bill of rights securing the privileges of the +people, and a constitution as the rule and measure of executive acts, it +was no longer in his power to render service to his country is a public +station: nor did the favorites of Louis XVIII. invite him to take part +in the administration of government, which they proposed to establish. +It may appear surprising, on the first view of the subject, that the +friends of a monarch of the reputed mild character of Louis, who must +wish the greatest happiness of his subjects, should refuse to such men +as Lafayette, all share in the government; and at the same time, +take into their employment and confidence, many of the creatures of +Bonaparte, who were destitute alike of principle and patriotism. But it +is often found to be the fact, that the sincere and honest, who will not +flatter, and do not approve all the projects of an ambitious aspirant, +or an arbitrary Prince, are less courted, than those who have no settled +principles, or one ever ready to support the successful candidate for +power. + +Except the short and occasional engagements in political concerns, just +above related, Lafayette, after his return to France in the year 1800, +generally remained at his estate, about thirty miles from Paris. But +though retired from the more active scenes of public life, he enjoyed +the friendship of several eminent characters in his own country; and was +visited by all distinguished Americans, and many British statesmen and +scholars, whose business or amusement led them to travel through France. +He was always particularly desirous to learn the affairs of America, his +adopted country; and was careful to procure all the publications from +the United States. Besides literary pursuits, he was occasionally +occupied in attending to the cultivation and improvement of his family +estate. Such has frequently been the employment and solace of eminent +men, when they have retired from high public stations, in which their +services and exactions have met the mistaken censure or the neglect of +the world. During several of the first years of this retirement, he was +blessed with the society of an amiable and affectionate wife. And after +her much lamented death, which has been before noticed, he still enjoyed +the pleasure of being surrounded by his children and grand children, +in whose education and improvement he always took a truly paternal +interest. + +At the time the federal constitution was in discussion by conventions +in the several states, and when it first went into operation, Alexander +Hamilton, who was its zealous advocate, corresponded with Lafayette on +the subject. The letters have not been published; but it is probable +they would be highly interesting to the politician and statesman, +and serve fully to develop the views of both these eminent men on +the science of civil government. This was about the period of the +commencement of the French revolution. The particular extent of +the change in the monarchical government of France, contemplated by +Lafayette, may appear by this epistolary discussion. If not wholly +confidential, it may be expected, that the letters will be given to the +American public. + +His second daughter, Virginia, married Monsieur de Lasteyrie, a young +gentleman of eminent literary attainments; and who distinguished +himself, also, as an officer in the French army, during the reign of +Napoleon; particularly in the campaign of Jena, Eylau, Friedland, &c. +But this brave and meritorious officer shared, with his brother-in-law, +G. W. Fayette, the constant neglect and hatred of Bonaparte. G. W. +Fayette was married to a daughter of Count de Tracy, one of the party of +moderates, or liberals, as often denominated, and sometime a member of +the conservative senate. The son and sons-in-law of General Lafayette, +reside at the same chateau with their father; which is sufficiently +spacious, not only for the respectable accommodation of the four united +families, the father, son and two sons-in-law; but for the reception and +occasional residence of family or other particular friends, who often +pass much time in this hospitable mansion. Monsieur de Maubourg, an old +and intimate friend of General Lafayette, with his lady, usually spend +the greater part of the year at the chateau of La Grange. The son, and +eldest daughter, who married Charles Latour Maubourg, have each several +children, who are peculiar objects of affection and interest with their +respected grandsire: + +The following remarks of Madame de Stael, who personally knew much of +General Lafayette, [Footnote: She was also an intimate friend of Madame +de Lafayette. They were accused, in the days of suspicion and terror, +of being too much engaged in political affairs.] and who was well +acquainted with characters and events connected with the French +revolution, are deemed worthy of being presented to the reader of these +hasty memoirs. + +"M. de Lafayette, having fought from his early youth for the cause of +America, had early become imbued with the principles of liberty, which +form the basis of that government. If he made mistakes with regard to +the French revolution, we are to ascribe them all to his admiration +of the American institutions, and of Washington, the hero citizen, who +guided the first steps of that nation in the career of Independence. +Lafayette, young, affluent, of noble family, and beloved at home, +relinquished all these advantages at the age of nineteen, to serve +beyond the ocean in the cause of that liberty, the love of which has +decided every action of his life. Had he had the happiness to be +a native of the United States, his conduct would have been that of +Washington: the same disinterestedness, the same enthusiasm, the same +perseverance in their opinions, distinguished each of these generous +friends of humanity. Had General Washington been, like the Marquis de +Lafayette, commander of the national guard of Paris, he also might have +found it impossible to control the course of circumstances; _he_ also +might have seen his efforts baffled by the difficulty of being at once +faithful to his engagements to the king, and of establishing at the same +time, the liberty of his country. + +"M. de Lafayette, I must say, has a right to be considered a true +republican: none of the vanities of his rank, ever entered his head: +power, the effect of which is so great in France, had no ascendancy over +him: the desire of pleasing in a drawing room conversation, did not +with him influence a single phrase: he sacrificed all his fortune to his +opinions, with the most generous indifference. When in the prisons of +Olmutz, as when at the height of his influence, he was equally firm in +his attachment to his principles. His manner of seeing and acting, +is open and direct. Whoever has marked his conduct, may foretell with +certainty what he will do on any particular occasion. His political +feeling is that of a citizen of the United States; and even his person +is more English than French. The hatred, of which M. de Lafayette is the +object, has never embittered his temper; and his gentleness of soul is +complete: at the same time nothing has ever modified his opinions; and +his confidence in the triumph of liberty, is the same as that of a +pious man in a future life. These sentiments, so contrary to the selfish +calculations of most of the men who have acted a part in France, may +appear pitiable in the eyes of some persons--"it is so silly" they +think, "to prefer one's country to one's self; not to change one's party +when that party is worsted; in short, to consider mankind, not as +cards with which to play a winning game, but as the sacred objects of +unlimited sacrifices." If this is to form the charge of silliness, would +that it were but once merited by our men of talents! + +"It is a singular phenomenon, that such a character as that of M. de +Lafayette, should have appeared in the foremost rank of the French +_noblesse_; but he can neither be censured nor exculpated with +impartiality, without being acknowledged to be such as I have described +him. It then becomes easy to understand the different contrasts which +naturally arose between his disposition and situation. Supporting +monarchy more from duty than attachment, he drew involuntarily towards +the principles of the democrats, whom he was obliged to resist; and +a certain kindness for the advocates of the republican form, was +perceptible in him, although his reflection forbade the admission of +their system into France. Since the departure of M. de Lafayette for +America, now forty years ago, we cannot quote a single action or a +single word of his, which was not direct and consistent. Personal +interest never blended itself in the least with his public conduct: +success would have displayed such sentiments to advantage; but they +claim the attention of the historian in spite of circumstances, and in +spite of faults, which may serve as a handle to his opponents." + +M. Lafayette was returned a member of the chamber of deputies from +his own department, in 1819, though his election was opposed by the +ministerial party. Some members rejoiced to see again among them, the +"friend and disciple of Washington;" while others, the adherents of +monarchy, viewed him with distrust and jealousy, as "the veteran general +of the revolution." He was not a very active member of this legislative +body; for he was convinced it would be in vain to attempt restoring the +constitution of 1789. He seldom attended the assembly: but on several +questions, when he was present, discovered the same political sentiments +which directed his conduct in the early days of the revolution. The +minister offered a proposition for establishing a censorship over the +public journals, and for arresting persons suspected of being inimical +to the restoration of the Bourbons. Lafayette spoke against the proposed +law, "as subversive of all order, of all right, and of the natural and +just privileges of the citizens." He referred to the evils consequent +upon all arbitrary proceedings against persons merely suspected of being +unfriendly to the government, and to the probable mischiefs which would +arise from a severe restriction upon the liberty of the press. The +minister himself acknowledged, that the proposition was not wholly +consistent with the national rights of the citizens; but insisted upon +its expediency in the present state of the nation. At this time, also, +he reminded the ministers of promises, which had been made by the +political friends of Louis XVIII. in favor of the liberties of the +people. He "conjured them to maintain the liberties of France, within +the limits prescribed by the constitution." "To violate it," said he, +"is to dissolve the mutual guarantees of the nation and of the throne; +it is to give ourselves up to a total primitive freedom from all duties +and all laws." This discussion was unusually animated, and Lafayette was +very decided in his opposition to the measure. The course pursued by the +court was condemned; and some severity of remark was indulged in, as +to the designs of ministers. The ministerial party obtained but a small +majority in favor of the law; and some fermentation was excited in +Paris in relation to this subject. The _liberals_, or the friends of +constitutional freedom, were insulted, and the life of Lafayette was +openly menaced. + +This year, a society was formed among the friends of constitutional +freedom, for the relief of those, who were arrested on mere suspicion, +or on a charge of violating the restrictions on the press; but who +were believed to be unjustly suspected, and who had been found entirely +innocent, even in the eye of the law, rigid as were its provisions. This +was a numerous society; consisting of fifty four members of the chamber +of deputies, and many other opulent and literary citizens; at the head +of which we find the name of M. Lafayette. + +The distinguished Americans and Englishmen who have visited Lafayette, +at his family mansion of La Grange, describe his residence and its +inmates as most beautiful and interesting. "It is situated in the +fertile district of La Brie, thirty miles from Paris, remote from any +common road, and far distant from the bustling world. In the midst of +a luxuriant wilderness, rising above prolific orchards and antiquated +woods, appears the five towers of La Grange, tinged with the golden rays +of the declining sun. The deep moat, the draw bridge; the ivied tower +and arched portals, opening into a large square court, has a feudal and +picturesque character; and the associations which occur, on entering the +residence of a man so heroic, so disinterested, so celebrated, fill the +mind with peculiar admiration, and excite the most lively interest." The +family party, partaking more of patriarchal than of courtly manners, is +composed of individuals mutually attached, and anxious only for mutual +improvement and happiness. It represents the younger members, as +employed in their studies or engaged in innocent recreations so salutary +to the youthful temper and constitution: and the older, as occupied +in useful and literary pursuits, or devoted to the more enlivening +pleasures of conversation. + +"The venerable head of this happy family, at the age of sixty seven, is +in the full possession of every talent and faculty. His memory has all +the tenacity of youthful recollection. On his person, time has yet made +little visible impression. Not a wrinkle furrows the ample brow; and his +unbent and noble figure is still as upright, bold and vigorous, as the +mind which informs it. Grace, strength and dignity still distinguish the +fine person of this extraordinary man; who, though more than forty years +before the world, engaged in scenes of strange and eventful conflict, +does not yet appear to have reached his grand climactic. Active on his +farm, graceful and elegant in his _salon_, it is difficult to trace, in +one of the most successful agriculturists, and one of the most perfect +fine gentlemen of France, a warrior and a legislator. But the patriot is +always discernible. His conversation is enriched with anecdotes of all +that is celebrated in character or event, for the last fifty years. +His elegant and well chosen collection of books, occupies the highest +apartments in one of the towers of the chateau; and, like the study of +Montaigne, hangs over the farm yard of the philosophical agriculturist. +It frequently happens, said M. Lafayette, to one of his visitors as they +were looking from a window on some flocks, which were moving beneath, +that my merinos and my hay carts dispute my attention to Hume or +Voltaire." + +Of the benevolent affections of Lafayette, his whole life affords +abundant proofs. He was possessed of the most patriotic and generous +feeling. Numerous instances are also related of his kindness to +individuals, and of his private benefactions. The children of his +tenants, and neighbours were objects of his generosity and complacency. +And those who are unjustly oppressed or defrauded, were sure to find +in him, an able advocate. The widow of an American officer, of French +parentage, who was left destitute at the death of her gallant husband, +had a claim for patrimonial estates in France. The legal evidence to +substantiate her claim was exceedingly difficult to be procured. The +case was made known to Lafayette, and he never ceased his exertions +until he recovered the greater part of the estate. + +Soon after the arrival of young Lafayette in Boston, 1795, he wrote to +General Washington, then President of the United States, informing him +of his situation, and requesting advice and counsel from the friend of +his father. As the chief magistrate of the nation, it would not +have been prudent in Washington, publicly to interfere in his +behalf--Lafayette, at this period, was almost equally obnoxious to the +rulers of France, as any one of the royal family. He had, indeed, been +most _unjustly_ denounced and proscribed by the dominant party; but they +pretended he was attached to a monarchy; and a public official act +of patronage in the President, towards young Lafayette, would have +furnished a pretext for complaint against the government. Washington +had already given proof, that he did not approve of the conduct of the +French Directory, nor of the proceedings of their minister in America. +But though a prudent policy forbid all official attention and aid to the +son of Lafayette the generous & noble feelings of Washington induced him +to give assurances of personal regard, and of a readiness to afford all +proper assistance towards the education and support of this youthful +subject of political persecution. He wrote to his friend, Hon. George +Cabot, stating the reasons for declining to act officially or publicly +in the case; but requesting Mr. C. to assure young Lafayette that he +might consider him as a father, a friend and protector. Washington +expressed a desire in this letter, that he should become a member of the +university in Cambridge, if qualified for admission, where he would be +under the inspection and tuition of excellent men; for he was aware that +want of employment would lead to dissipation; and that the season of +youth was to be diligently improved for the cultivation of the mind. He +desired Mr. C. to call on him to meet any expenses which might accrue +in his education and support. The French tutor, who attended young +Lafayette, chose to have him under his own private instruction; and he +did not enter the university. The kindness and generosity of Washington +were not the less meritorious in the appeal made to him by the son of +his own, and of his country's friend. + +Among the many eminent characters by whom General Lafayette was visited +in his retirement at La Grange, after his return to France, (in 1800) +was CHARLES J. FOX, the celebrated British statesman. The family of +Mr. Fox, for several generations, was ranked among the whip party in +England, and firm friends of the glorious revolution of 1689; when +the House of Stuart was excluded from the throne, and William and Mary +acknowledged as the legitimate sovereigns. Mr. Fox was of the same +political school with the elder PITT, whose powerful talents were +successfully exerted for the glory of Great Britain, in the latter part +of the reign of George II. and who was a firm and decided advocate for +the rights of the British colonies in 1775. When Lafayette and family +were confined in the dungeons at Olmutz, Mr. Fox, with others, then +members of the British Parliament, pleaded the cause of these unhappy +sufferers, with great eloquence, but without effect. He had been +personally acquainted with the celebrated French philanthropist, before +this period; and was attached to his character and principles, as a +zealous friend of civil liberty. The interview between these two +highly distinguished reformers is represented to have been peculiarly +interesting. Perhaps, the plans of reform proposed by Mr. Fox, could +not have been carried into effect, at that time, without danger to the +stability of the British government; but the general character of Fox, +gave evidence of the sincerity of his upright purposes; and of the +purity of the motives by which Lafayette was actuated, in the course he +pursued in France, in 1789, and subsequently, cannot be justly doubted, +though the revolution did not result in the political benefits he had +anticipated. + +When Mr. Fox was in Paris, some time in 1802, Lafayette hastened from +his retired residence, at La Grange, to call on him. The writer, who +gives an account of this meeting, observes, "that a stranger of an +interesting and graceful figure, came gently in," where he and Mr. Fox +were sitting, at the hotel in Paris, "advanced rapidly; and, embracing +Mr. Fox, showed a countenance full of joy, while tears rolled down his +cheeks; Mr. Fox testified equal emotion. It was M. de Lafayette, the +virtuous and unshaken friend of liberty. He had come from the country +to see Mr. Fox, and to invite him to his house. In a few moments their +sentiments were interchanged. The review of the past was taken in a +moment; and they soon appeared to be affectionate friends, who having +parted for a few days, were now reunited. Lafayette viewed the new +state of things with regret; not from any personal dislike of the first +consul, but from a rooted and principled conviction, that arbitrary +power is injurious to the happiness of mankind. + +"In his retirement, and filled with gloomy prospects of the republic, he +lived in the most private and simple manner. In the bosom of an amiable +and affectionate family, he found every consolation. He frequented no +place of amusement; and, with a very limited fortune, exhibited the +bright example of a public man, content with a little, free from all +envious and angry feelings: and willing to live in dignified silence, +when he had not the power or influence to do good." + +The visit of Mr. Fox and his friend to La Grange, is thus +described--"The towers and wood of the chateau appeared in peaceful +repose, as we drove near; and when we gained a full view of the +building, I felt great emotion; it was the residence of a great and good +man--a patriot and friend of mankind, whose life had been consecrated +to virtue and liberty; the family came to the hall to meet us, happy in +themselves, and rejoicing to see the illustrious friend of Lafayette! +I cannot forget that moment--no silly affectation, no airs of idle +ceremony were seen at the residence of him, who had gloriously struggled +for America, and had done all he could for France. + +"M. de Lafayette and Madame received Mr. and Mrs. Fox with the heartiest +welcome. The family consisted of two daughters, and a son and his wife, +all young and elegant; all living with M. de Lafayette, as a brother +and friend. His graceful and manly form, his benevolent countenance, his +frank and warm manners, which made him almost adored by his family, and +a placid contentedness, nearly allied to cheerfulness; altogether had +an irresistible effect, in gaining the affections and esteem of those +admitted to his more intimate society. + +"Madame de Lafayette, of the noble family of Noailes, was a superior +and admirable woman, possessing the high polish of the ancient nobility, +eloquent and animated. Fondly attached to M. de Lafayette and her +family, she regretted nothing of past splendor; she possessed an +affectionate husband, and was happy in retirement. The son was a +pleasing young man, and his wife engaging and interesting; the daughters +were charming women, entirely free from the insipid languor or +wretched affectation, which in young ladies of fashion so much destroys +originality of character, and makes us find, in one of the fashionables, +the prototype and pattern of thousands. In a word, this amiable and +happy family seemed united by one bond of affection, and to desire +nothing beyond the circle of their own tranquil mansion. + +"The chateau and estate of La Grange, which Madame, who was an heiress, +had brought with her, was all that remained of his fortune. He had lost +every thing besides in the madness of revolutionary confiscation; and +had not yet been able to procure restitution or compensation. To add to +the interest of the scene, General Fitzpatrick who had known Lafayette +in America, and had vainly attempted, in the British house of Commons, +to rouse the ministry to a sense of humanity and justice for him, joined +the party at La Grange, at this time. That accomplished man was an +addition to our society, and was received most affectionately by the +family of Lafayette. I have often contemplated with great pleasure, Mr. +Fox, General Fitzpatrick and M. de Lafayette walking in the long shady +grove near the chateau, speaking of past times, the war in America, and +the revolution in France. The rare sight of three such characters was +grateful to any one who felt friendly to the cause of civil liberty, and +valued men for their services to humanity, rather than for successful +ambition. + +"Lafayette spoke a good deal of America; and we learnt from him +something of his various and useful services for that country, at the +court of Louis, as well as of his personal efforts, during the struggle +for independence. His political career in France had not the same happy +result, as in America; but it should be considered, that his situation +in the former was arduous beyond measure. A friend to limited monarchy, +and to the legitimate rights of the people, at a time when the support +of one was deemed hostility to the other, he found it impossible, +consistent with his principles, to follow the mania of the nation. A +king of integrity and firmness, with Lafayette as his counselor, might +have been safe, even in the tumultuous times preceding the seizure of +civil power by sanguinary demagogues. But Louis, it is feared, wanted +both these qualities; certainly the latter. Lafayette failed, therefore, +in his patriotic views; not as Bonaparte is said to have insinuated, +because he aimed at what was impracticable; but because those whose +interest it was to second his views, did not support him. A ruined +throne and desolate country subsequently attested the purity of his +principles, and the soundness of his judgment." + +General Lafayette is of the _Catholic_ religion, which has been long +established, and is still generally professed, in France. But he +discovers nothing of that exclusive and intolerant spirit which has +distinguished the church of Rome, more especially in ages past. He took +an active part in favor of the proposition, in 1789, for securing the +rights of conscience and the privileges of worship to the protestants +of France, according to, their own particular belief. It was not to +be supposed that one of his enlightened views, and knowledge of human +nature, would be a bigot in religion; or would attach undue importance +to the external forms and the mere ceremonies of worship. He is +not, however, to be classed with many learned men in Roman Catholic +countries, in modern times, who merely _profess_ the papal system +because it is the religion of the state, while they are real infidels; +or skeptical as to the essential doctrines of christianity. It is not +improbable that his intercourse with liberal and candid yet pious men +is America, in his early years, served to produce in his mind charitable +sentiments toward those who were educated in a system differing somewhat +from that which he had been taught to revere, in its ceremonies and even +in some of its dogmas. He was several years intimately acquainted with +Washington, Lincoln and other military characters, who were men of +sincere, though of unostentatious piety; as well as with many of the +clergy of our country, whom he could not but esteem and respect; and the +natural effect of such intercourse would be a liberality of opinion on +religious subjects. It is, indeed, a consideration, creditable, in +some measure, to those who admit it, and tending also to prove that +christianity is calculated and designed to be an universal religion, +that intelligent men of different countries and sects unite in receiving +all the essential and practical doctrines of revelation. In a word, +"that God is no respecter of persons; but that in every nation he who +_feareth_ him and _worketh righteousness_ is accepted of him." + +Having followed Lafayette through many years of an active and +eventful life, and having witnessed his course in various critical and +responsible situations, we may be prepared to form a correct estimate +of his talents, his wisdom and his virtues. It is far from our wishes to +pronounce an unqualified or exaggerated panegyric on his character. +But for the honor of our species and in justice to this eminent +philanthropist, it is proper that his heroic and generous actions, and +his firmness and perseverance of purpose in the cause of civil liberty +and of the rights of mankind, should be duly appreciated. And when +we reflect upon the ardour and constancy of his efforts in favour of +American Independence; upon his personal sacrifices and exposure +to danger in our behalf, in the field, and his solicitations as our +advocate at the court of Louis; upon his warm attachment to Washington, +and to the other patriots and heroes of our glorious revolution; upon +his attempts afterwards to improve the government of his own country and +to place some check upon the despotic power of a selfish, calculating +ministry; upon his uniform resolute, and fearless opposition to the wild +projects of factious men, who obtained ephemeral influence in France, +but whose conduct was equally hostile to the rights and welfare of the +people as that of the agents of an absolute monarch; upon his steady and +firm support of the constitution, formed by the deputies of the people, +and designed to guarantee their liberties; upon his desire to support +the dignity of the monarch, in unison with the rights of the citizens, +and his wishes to afford security to the person of Louis; and upon his +efforts to restore related and constitutional liberty, at the time +the present king returned to France, and when Napoleon was aiming +at unlimited power as perpetual dictator, are we not obliged to +acknowledge, that few men; very few, indeed, have done so much for the +social happiness of their fellows; that very few deserve the gratitude +and applause, which may be justly claimed for this very eminent asserter +of the rights of man. Success is too often made the criterion of human +merit. It is matter of great congratulation, that our revolutionary +struggle was successful; and it is believed, that Lafayette, by his +influence in France, and his personal exertions here, contributed very +much to its happy termination. In his own country, afterwards, he was +not so fortunate in attaining and securing the object at which he aimed. +But to the accurate and deep observer of character and events, it +will probably be apparent, that no one, however resolute, could have +established a government in France in 1790, upon the just recognition +of the rights of man, and the exercise of power, (even limited power) in +the reigning Prince. That Lafayette was upright and disinterested in his +purpose, perhaps, no candid impartial man will deny; that any one could +have produced a more fortunate issue, is at least very doubtful. He did +not want decision, or energy. He often acted with great promptness, and +gave proof of ready mental resources. He was also brave, and fearless of +personal danger. Other men might have conducted with more energy; but +it would have been at the hazard of a thousand lives and in violation +of constitutional principles. That Lafayette was not more efficient, or +more despotic, when he commanded the national guards, and the populace +of Paris went to Versailles and insulted the royal family; or when +the Jacobin faction, in June 1792, were ready to denounce him and +to prostrate the constitution, did not argue want of energy but the +influence of principle and a salutary love of order. + +When it is recollected what important and disinterested services the +Marquis de Lafayette had performed for America, in the most critical +periods of our revolutionary war, and how active and uniform he had +been, through all the changes and excesses in his own country for +upwards of thirty years, it cannot be thought unreasonable, that the +citizens of the United States held his character in high estimation, and +were desirous of greeting him once more, on their own territory, which +he had assisted by his zeal and valour to defend. In his letters to +his friends here, and in the interviews, which he had with American +gentleman at his own hospitable mansion, he frequently expressed a wish +and an intention of again visiting this favored land of liberty. He +cherished precious recollections of the times, long since past, when +he joined with many brave and honorable spirits in the sacred cause of +freedom. To the patriots and heroes who achieved our independence, he +had a most sincere and cordial attachment; and his military associates +who survived, and their children, who had often heard of his heroic and +generous deeds, were eager on their part to welcome him to their country +and their affections; and to show to him and to the world, that they +entertained a high sense of his sacrifices and efforts in securing to +them the privileges and blessings they so richly enjoy. + +The feelings of General Lafayette will appear by the letters he wrote +to his friends in this country, when he was expecting to make his +long-intended visit. The following is an extract from one addressed to +an old revolutionary friend, who had previously written to Lafayette. +"I am deeply affected by your kindly remembrance. No one among the +survivors, who sharedin our glorious cause and military fraternity, can +be attached more than I am, to the memory of our departed brethren, and +to the ties which bind together the surviving American companions in +arm. Since our youthful revolutionary times, many vicissitudes have +passed over our heads. But in every situation, I have enjoyed, with +great delight, the recollection of our struggle so glorious and so pure; +of our Columbian country, so excellent and promising; of our brotherly +army, so gallant, so virtuous and so united. How happy for us to see the +present prosperous result of the contest, which our toils and our blood +have shared the honor to support." + +In January 1824, when it was known, that General Lafayette proposed to +take passage for the United States, the Representatives of the nation, +in Congress assembled, requested the President "to offer him a public +ship for his accommodation; [he declined this offer, and chose to embark +in a private vessel;] and to assure him, in the name of the people +of this great Republic, that they cherished for him a grateful and +affectionate attachment." + +The Legislature of Massachusetts also, at its session in June last, +adopted a resolve, "requesting the Governor to make such arrangements, +as would secure to this distinguished friend of our country, an +honorable reception, on the part of this State, and authorising him +to draw any sum from the public treasury to meet the expenses arising +thereupon." + +The Society of Cincinnati of Massachusetts, at their anniversary meeting +on the fourth of July, it being then expected that General Lafayette +would soon visit the United States, unanimously passed the following +vote. "It being reported, that General Lafayette, an original member +of the Society of Cincinnati, intends visiting the United States in +the course of the present year, voted, that a Committee be appointed to +consider what measures it will be proper for this Society to adopt on +the arrival of this our distinguished brother; whose meritorious and +disinterested services to our country, in the war of the revolution, +cannot be too highly appreciated, and whose whole life has been devoted +to the vindication of the rights of man." A committee was then appointed +for the purpose, of which Hon. John Brooks (late Governor) was the +chairman. + +Letters were written to General Lafayette, before he left France by +several distinguished individuals, and by the Mayor of New-York and +of Boston, in the name and behalf of those corporations, expressing +a strong desire, that he would visit America, as it was reported he +intended, and informing him of the universal and sincere disposition of +the citizens, to present him a tribute of esteem and gratitude. + +In a letter dated at Paris, May 26, in reply to the invitation of the +citizens of Boston, communicated to him by the Mayor, in their name, +under date of March 20th, 1824, he observed, "that amidst the new and +high marks of benevolence which the people of the United States and +their Representatives had lately deigned to confer upon him, he was +proud and happy to recognize those particular sentiments of the citizens +of Boston, which had blessed and delighted the first years of his public +career, the grateful sense of which had ever been to him a most valued +reward and support." "I joyfully anticipate the day," he added, "not +very remote, thank God, when I may revisit the cradle of American, +and in future, 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. [Footnote: This was the +particular request that he would land at Boston, if he did not come in +a public ship, and feel obliged to arrive at Washington.] 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 private vessel. Whatever +port I first attain, I shall with the same eagerness hasten to Boston, +and present its beloved and revered inhabitants, as I have now the +honor to offer it to the City Council and to yourself, the homage of my +affectionate gratitude and devoted respect." + +When this letter of Lafayette was communicated to the Common Council of +the city, a large and respectable committee was chosen "to make suitable +arrangements for his reception, should he first arrive at the port of +Boston; and that on his visiting this city, should he disembark at +some other place in the United States, the committee provide for his +accommodation, during his residence here; and to adopt all such measures +as they might deem proper, to extend to him the hospitality of the +city, and to exhibit the feelings of gratitude, which the whole body +of citizens entertain for the splendid services, ardent patriotism and +private worth of the illustrious visitor." + +Hon. Mr. Lloyd, Senator from this State in the Congress of the United +States, and particularly attached to Lafayette from family alliances, on +hearing of his intended visit to America, also addressed a friendly note +to him, at an early day, requesting the honor of receiving him at his +hospitable mansion. But the city authorities were desirous, that General +Lafayette, who might be justly considered the guest of the people and of +the nation, should be accommodated by the city in a more public manner: +and Mr. Lloyd, with his usual courtesy and regard to public opinion, +resigned his particular claims, although he was among the first and most +eminent of the citizens of Boston, to show peculiar and distinguished +attention to the favorite of the American people. + +In his answer to the letter of Mr. Lloyd, he says, "in whatever part of +the United States I shall find myself, on reaching the beloved shore of +America, I shall lose no, time in my eagerness to revisit the city of +Boston, and answer the flattering invitation I have received. You do +justice to the delight I shall feel, at the sight of the felicity and +prosperity, which is the reward of a virtuous revolution, founded on the +principles of true liberty and self-government." + + + * * * * * + + +VISIT OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE + +TO THE + +UNITED STATES--IN 1824 + + +His arrival was anticipated with great interest and impatience. +Preparations were in contemplation, particularly in New-York and Boston, +several weeks before he arrived, to receive him with such public marks +of veneration and joy, as were justly due to one so distinguished by an +ardent love of liberty, and by meritorious exertions for the welfare of +our country. + +General Lafayette arrived in the harbour of New-York on the morning of +the 15th of August, accompanied by his son, George W. Lafayette, and his +friend, M. Le Vasseur. A steam boat was in waiting, at the entrance of +the harbour, and they were immediately conducted to Staten Island, the +residence of the Hon. Mr. Tompkins, Vice President of the United States, +where he passed the remainder of the day, being Sunday. This is but a +short distance from the city of New-York: here many public characters +and other distinguished citizens repaired; on the day of his arrival, +to offer him their respectful salutations. The next day he entered this +populous city; and his reception was most splendid and cordial. Perhaps +no hero of ancient or modern times, if we except the respectful and +universal attention paid to Washington, when he made the tour of +the United States in 1789, was ever greeted with such a sincere and +enthusiastic welcome. + +"At an early hour, the whole city was in motion; almost every man, woman +and child was preparing to witness the landing of their much respected +guest. The shops and stores were closed, and all business was suspended +for the day. The ringing of bells, the roar of cannon, and the display +of the national flag, at all public places and on board the shipping, +proclaimed that it was a day of joy, in which all were anxious to +partake. Before 12 o'clock, the battery, the adjoining wharves and every +place commanding a view of the passage from Staten Island, were crowded +to excess. It was supposed there were nearly 50,000 persons upon +the battery, including the troops. This elegant promenade, since +its enlargement, is said to be capable of holding nearly the whole +population of the city, (130,000) but a large portion of the front +was occupied by the brigade of artillery and other troops. The castle +garden, almost contiguous to the battery, and its gallery, were also +crowded by the citizens. + +"Between 10 and 11 o'clock, a large steam ship, manned with about 200 +United States seamen, and decorated with the flags of every nation, +sailed for Staten Island. She was followed by six large steam boats, all +crowded with passengers, decorated with flags, and enlivened by bands of +music. In one of them, which exhibited only flags of the United States +and of the State of New-York, proceeded the committee of, arrangements +of the city, the officers of the United States army and navy, the +general officers of the militia, the committee of the Society of +Cincinnati, &c. On board this steam boat, General Lafayette embarked at +Staten Island, for the city, at about one o'clock. This was announced by +a salute from the largest steam ship, manned by the national troops, +and from fort Lafayette. The procession then moved for the city, and +presented to its inhabitants, a most beautiful and magnificent scene. +About two o'clock the General landed at the battery, where he was +received by a salute from the troops, and the hearty and reiterated +cheers of the immense throng which had assembled to welcome him to our +shores. + +"It is impossible fully to describe the enthusiasm of joy which pervaded +and was expressed by the whole multitude. Here the General had a fair +specimen of the affection and respect, which is felt for him by every +individual of this extended country. He seemed much moved by these +expressions of attachment, and bowed continually to the people who +pressed about him. After resting a few moments at the castle garden, he +proceeded in an elegant barouche drawn by four horses, escorted by the +dragoons and troops, through Broadway to the City Hall. The windows, +balconies, and even the roofs of the houses were filled with ladies, +all welcoming the General as he passed, by their smiles and waving of +handkerchiefs. + +"At about 4 o'clock, the procession arrived at the City Hall, where +General Lafayette was received by the Mayor and Common Council, and +formally welcomed and congratulated on his safe arrival in the country. +After receiving the marching salute of the troops in front of the +City Hall, he was conducted to the City Hotel, where he dined with the +members of the corporation. In the evening, the front of the City Hotel, +and many other adjoining buildings, were handsomely illuminated. The +theatres and public gardens displayed transparencies; fire-works and +rockets in honor of the occasion."--The committee of the Cincinnati +waited on General Lafayette, at Staten Island; and were received by him +with peculiar marks of affection and friendship. The committee consisted +of several field officers of the revolutionary army, some of whom were +upwards of eighty years of age. + +The following is the address of the Mayor of New-York, to General +Lafayette, when he arrived at the city Hall: + + +"In the name of the municipal authority of the city, I bid you a sincere +welcome to the shores of a country, of whose freedom and happiness you +will ever be considered one of the most honored and beloved founders. +Your contemporaries in arms, of whom indeed but few remain, have not +forgot, and their posterity will never forget the young and gallant +_Frenchman_, who consecrated his youth, his talents, his fortune and his +exertions to their cause; who exposed his life, who shed his blood, +that they might be free and happy. They will recollect with profound +emotions, so long as they remain worthy of the liberties they enjoy, and +of 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 Yorktown. Half +a century has elapsed since that great event, and in that time your name +has become as dear to the friends, as it is inseparably connected with +the cause of freedom, both in the old and in the new world. + +"The people of the United States look up to you as to one of their most +honored parents--the country cherishes you as one of the most beloved +of her sons. I hope and 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 benefactors. + +"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." + +To this address, General Lafayette replied as follows:-- + + +"SIR, + +"While I am so affectionately received by the citizens of New-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 pleasure to +recognize those who survive; the immense 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 language is adequate: You have been pleased, +Sir, to allude to the happiest times, the unalloyed enjoyment 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 forty years ago I was honored with the freedom of this city. I beg +you, Sir; 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." + +On the two following days after his arrival in New-York, General +Lafayette received the gratulations of a great number of the citizens; +and on the latter, was addressed by committees of the society of +Cincinnati, and of the Historical Society; and also visited the navy +yard of the United States. On board of the ship Washington, of 74 guns, +his reception was very splendid, and a sumptuous repast was provided. On +Thursday, deputations from the Frenchmen resident in the city, and from +the gentlemen of the Bar, waited on him, and presented congratulatory +addresses. + +In his answer to the committee of the Historical Society, he +observed,--"The United States are the first nation on the records +of history, who have founded their constitution upon an honest +investigation and clear definition of their natural and social rights. +Nor can we doubt, but that, notwithstanding the combinations made +elsewhere by despotism against the sacred rights of mankind, immense +majorities in other countries will not in vain observe the happiness and +prosperity of a free, virtuous and enlightened people." + +To the gentlemen of the Bar, he replied--"Testimonies of esteem from so +respectable a body as the Bar of New-York, are highly flattering. I most +deeply sympathize, gentlemen, in your regret for the friend (Hamilton) +whose prodigious talents made him as eminent in your profession, as he +had been is our military, when he deserved Washington's most intimate +confidence. The truly republican form of the American constitutions, +cannot but endear them to every citizen 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 these institutions +must appear still more conspicuous." + +The address of the French gentlemen in New-York, was very affectionate +and respectful, referring, in highly complimentary style, to the +services of Lafayette both in France and America. His reply is +indicative, at once, of patriotism, of attachment to the cause of +rational freedom, and of his regard for the United States, the land of +his adoption. "It is a great happiness for me, on my arrival in this +land of liberty, to receive the congratulations of my countrymen. At the +moment of my departure, the testimonials of affectionate attachment +of many of my fellow citizens, the parting accents from the shores +of France, left in my heart the most grateful emotions. I delight to +participate with you the feelings which I experienced 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 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 of the cause of liberty: It is still +dear to the hearts of Frenchmen; and we shall one day have the felicity +of seeing it established in our beloved country." + +During the four days he remained in New-York, all gentlemen and ladies +of the most respectable families were individually introduced to him; +and he manifested great pleasure at the cordial welcome, with which he +was universally greeted. Splendid evening parties were given in honor of +the "nation's guest," at which he met many individuals whom he had +known more than forty years before. His interviews with "the war-worn +veterans," with whom he had been associated in times of danger, for the +liberties of the country, were peculiarly interesting and affecting. He +embraced them; but his feelings were so powerful, that he could not give +utterance to his sentiments for many minutes. + +After his arrival at New-York, he early announced his intention to +visit Boston, where he had been particularly invited by distinguished +individuals, and by the city authorities; especially as the commencement +at the University in Cambridge, the literary jubilee of the State, +was to be celebrated in a few days. While in New-York, he received +invitations by committees or letters from Philadelphia, Albany, +New Haven and some other cities, to make a visit to those places +respectively; but his desire was first to visit Boston, if possible. +Accordingly, he left New-York, where his reception had been so very +gratifying to his feelings, and where the citizens were still eager to +show him honorable civilities, on Friday morning, for Boston, through +New Haven, New London and Providence. He was attended by a committee +of the Common Council, the Major General of militia and his suite, +the General and field officers of the artillery and infantry, and by +strangers and citizens of distinction on horseback, and escorted by the +Huzzars of the 2d and 14th regiments, to Harlem, where he was saluted +by the 3d regiment of infantry. On leaving this place, he was saluted +by the Lafayette guards of the 2d regiment. The principal part of +the troops then returned; and the first regiment of horse artillery +continued the escort to the line of Connecticut. A salute was fired at +a place called Putnam's hill, on account of the memorable feat performed +there by General Israel Putnam, in the revolutionary war. The suite of +Lafayette consisted of his son and M. Le Vasseur, who accompanied him in +his voyage from France, and four of the Aldermen of New-York. The city +corporation had provided an elegant carriage to accommodate him in his +journey to Boston, and deputed four of their number to attend him in his +route. He traveled with great rapidity, passing the distance of thirty +miles in three hours. He appeared perfectly capable of enduring fatigue, +and discovered the activity and sprightliness of vigorous manhood. + +They reached New Haven about midnight, on his approach to which he was +met by the governor's guard, and escorted into that city. Most of the +buildings on the principal streets were illuminated, and a national +salute was fired. "The night was almost turned into day, and the scene +was very brilliant and impressive." He was detained at all the villages +on the road from New-York to New Haven, through the eagerness of the +citizens, to see and be introduced to this distinguished hero of the +revolution. The public road was thronged with multitudes of both sexes +and youth, who greeted him with reiterated acclamations; and continued +"welcome, welcome." They prepared sincere, though simple offerings +of respect to the man, "who fought not for honor or for pay;" but in +imitation of his political, American parent, was devoted, life and +property, to the cause of our country's freedom. After a public +breakfast, a visit to the college, and calls upon Mrs. Trumbull, the +widow of the late governor of the state, Hon. Mr. Daggett, senator in +Congress, and some other eminent characters, he left New Haven, for New +London, Saturday morning, attended by the city authorities and escorted +by a company of cavalry, a part of the distance, until met by another +troop of horse, by which General Lafayette and suite were then attended +to Saybrook, on Connecticut river, about forty miles from New Haven. +Part of the Sabbath was passed in New London; and at this place, he +attended public worship. He expressed a desire to avoid traveling on +that day, as much as possible. At New London, and at most other places +on his journey, he met some of his old revolutionary companions, who +were delighted to see again in their own free and happy country, a man +who had devoted his earliest days and zealous efforts to secure its +independence. + +He reached Providence on Monday, the 23d, at 12 o'clock, having been +met at an early hour, on the boundary line between Connecticut and Rhode +Island, by the aids of the Governor of the last named state. When he +arrived at the limits of the town of Providence, an immense crowd of +citizens were assembled to bid him welcome, and to offer him their +hearty gratulations. The houses and streets in the western part of the +town, where he entered, were filled with citizens, who greeted him as +he passed with reiterated cheers. "When he arrived in front of the State +House, he alighted, and was received in a very interesting manner. The +avenue leading to the building was lined with female youth, dressed in +white, holding in their hands branches of flowers, which they strewed in +his path, at the same time waving their white handkerchiefs. Lafayette +appeared much gratified and affected by this simple, but touching +arrangement. In the senate chamber, he was introduced to the Governor +and many other distinguished characters; among whom were several +late officers of the revolutionary army. These he embraced with much +affection; and his emotions were so great, he was unable to address +them. He recognized Captain Olney, the moment he saw him, among a crowd +of citizens. This gentleman commanded a company under General Lafayette, +at the siege of Yorktown, and was the first to force the redoubts thrown +up by the British troops, and carried by our light infantry, in a most +brilliant manner, when led on to the assault by their commander in +person. At this interview, so affecting and interesting, a thrill ran +through the whole assembly, and not a dry eye was to be found among +the throng of spectators; while the shouts of the multitude, at first +suppressed, and then uttered in a manner tempered by the scene, evinced +the deep fueling and proud associations it had excited." Another +respectable veteran, of eighty-five years of age, was found among the +multitudes assembled to render their affectionate homage to Lafayette. +He was a volunteer in the expedition on Rhode Island, in the autumn +of 1778, and assisted in conducting the retreat from that place; under +direction of the Marquis, when the militia were in great danger from the +superior number of the British forces. The aged patriot was overwhelmed +with joy, on beholding once more, his beloved general. + +On account of a previous engagement to be in Boston, Monday night, +or early on Tuesday morning, General Lafayette was obliged, though +reluctantly, to leave Providence the afternoon of the day he arrived +there. As he left the town he walked some distance, in order to view the +troops, which were drawn up in the public street leading towards Boston; +and then entered his carriage, accompanied by the Governor and several +other public characters; and amidst the cheers of the people proceeded +on his journey. He was also attended by the society of Cincinnati of the +State of Rhode Island, as far as Pawtucket river, the southern bounds of +Massachusetts. When some one expressed an apprehension, that he might be +_fatigued_ by his rapid traveling and the various scenes through +which he passed in the course of the day, he quickly replied, that he +experienced too great pleasure, to be sensible of any fatigue. + +At Pawtucket, he was met by the aids of Governor Eustis, the Chief +Magistrate of the State of Massachusetts, who had been dispatched, +the day before, to receive him at the line of the Commonwealth, and to +escort him on his way to the capital. Although it was now evening, at +several places on the road, large bodies of the militia were collected +to salute him; and assemblies of ladies and gentlemen were occasionally +met, who offered this illustrious stranger, but respected friend of +their country, their tribute of applause and affection. He was too +sensible of their sincerity and warmth of their felicitations, not to +delay his journey at several villages, and to reciprocate their kind and +cordial salutations. It was nearly midnight when he reached the town of +Dedham, about ten miles from Boston. Most of the houses in this +pleasant village were handsomely illuminated; and a great number of the +inhabitants of both sexes were assembled to greet him. During the +short pause he was able to make here, he was introduced to many of the +principal citizens of the town and vicinity, who had been anticipating +his arrival for some hours. When he passed through Roxbury, at about +1 o'clock, he was accompanied by a large cavalcade of citizens of that +place and from Boston; and a salute was fired by the Roxbury corps of +artillery. His arrival here was also announced by the ascent of rockets +from an eminence in the centre of the town; and the note of preparation +was thus given for the parade and pleasure of the succeeding day, which +had been anticipated with uncommon interest and delight. Lafayette and +suite proceeded to the mansion of his Excellency the Governor, to +which they had been invited; and the meeting between them was truly +affectionate and cordial. + +On Tuesday the 24th the inhabitants of Boston hailed the morning light +with peculiar emotions, and were abroad at an early hour, preparing for +the general testimonies of gratitude and respect to be presented to +the "nation's guest." Many of the older citizens recollected him in his +youthful days; when he visited the town, _forty-six_ years ago, at the +request of Congress and Washington, to prevail on the French admiral to +co-operate with his fleet in some contemplated attack upon the British +Forces. They had not forgotten his zeal and ardor in the cause +of America. They knew his great attachment to and respect for the +_immortal_ chief of the American army, and the confidence, which +Washington cherished for Lafayette. Here too were many revolutionary +officers and soldiers, who had often witnessed his unwearied activity +and personal courage in seasons of difficulty and danger. The Society +of Cincinnati in this State contained many of his personal friends, who +shared with him in the toils and honors of the war of independence; they +had assembled, also, to offer the hand of friendship and affection to +their distinguished brother in arms; and to tell him of the happiness +which he had been instrumental, with others, in securing to _ten +millions_ of freemen. The curiosity of the young was awakened to hear of +the generous deeds and meritorious services of this celebrated visitor +from the old world. They were eager to learn his worth and, his virtues. +For they knew their grave and sober sires would not be so greatly moved +by the approach of any ordinary character, whatever might be his title +or his fame. The sensibility of the female breast was excited to a +lively glow, in reflecting upon the character of this eminent foreigner, +who had not only given proofs of great devotion to the cause of America, +and to the interests of civil liberty, but whose moral and social +virtues claimed for him the respect and admiration of all those who +loved innocence or commiserated distress. And all classes, without +intending to lessen the pre-eminent services and virtues of Washington, +who, under providence was the great and chief agent in achieving +our independence, and in preserving it, after it had been once +established--or to undervalue the important efforts and courage of many +other revered heroes and patriots, too numerous to be here named. All, +all, were eager to join in the spontaneous offering of gratitude and +affection to one so justly celebrated and so _greatly beloved_. + +He entered the city, the capital of the state, about 11 o'clock; "and +his reception was a triumph and a jubilee. The day was as bright as his +laurels, and as mild as his virtues. The various bodies designated to +compose the procession, and perform the honors of the day, assembled at +an early hour, and at the time appointed." The cavalcade was formed in +Common street, at 9 o'clock. It was very numerous, and consisted of the +citizens of Boston, of all ranks and classes, on horseback. Proceeding +to the extreme southerly part of the city, near the line of Roxbury, +they were joined by the Mayor and Aldermen, and members of the Common +Council, the Society of Cincinnati, a great number of public civil +characters and strangers of distinction, all in carriages; by the +general and field officers of the first division of militia, and +officers of the army and navy of the United States. An innumerable +concourse of people on foot lined the side walks of the spacious street, +where the procession was to be formed, the entrance to the city from +Roxbury, and fortunately named WASHINGTON-STREET. The cavalcade then +proceeded to the mansion of Governor Eustis, which is a short distance, +within the town of Rosbury, and escorted General Lafayette and suite to +the line, where the city authorities and others, who were to compose the +procession, were in waiting to receive him. Here he was greeted by +the immense assemblage of citizens, with repeated and enthusiastic +acclamations, for several minutes, when the mayor welcomed him with much +feeling, in the following speech. + + +"SIR--The Citizens of Boston welcome you on your return to the +United States; mindful of your early zeal in the cause of American +Independence, grateful for your distinguished share in the perils and +glories of its achievement.--When urged by a generous sympathy, you +first landed on these shores, you found a people engaged in an arduous +and eventful struggle for liberty with apparently inadequate means, and +amidst dubious omens. After a lapse of nearly half a century, you find +the same people prosperous beyond all hope and all precedent; their +liberty secure; sitting in its strength; without fear and without +reproach. + +"In your youth you joined the standard of three millions of people, +raised in an unequal and uncertain conflict. In your advanced age you +return and are met by ten millions of people, their descendants, whose +hearts throng hither to greet your approach and rejoice in it. + +"This is not the movement of a turbulent populace, excited by the fresh +laurels of some recent conqueror. It is a grave, moral, intellectual +impulse. + +"A whole people in the enjoyment of freedom as perfect 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 labors, and in their blood, laid the foundation of our liberties. + +"Your name, sir,--the name of LAFAYETTE, is associated with the most +perilous, and most glorious periods of our Revolution;--with the +imperishable names of Washington, and of that numerous host of heroes +which adorn the proudest archives of American history, and are engraved +in indelible traces on the hearts of the whole American people. + +"Accept, then, sir, in the sincere spirit in which it is offered, 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." + +General Lafayette then rose in his carriage, and in a most interesting +and felicitous manner, replied as follows:-- + +"The emotions of love and gratitude, which I 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 me hope it +will hereafter be said, of _Universal_ Liberty. + +"What must be, sir, my feelings, at the blessed moment, when, after so, +long an absence, I find myself again surrounded by the good citizens of +Boston--where I am so affectionately, so honorably welcomed, not only by +old friends, but by several successive generations; where I can witness +the prosperity, the immense improvements, that have been the just reward +of a noble struggle, virtuous morals and truly republican institutions. + +"I beg of you, Mr. Mayor, Gentlemen of the City Council, 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 reply of the General was received with new plaudits of the assembled +people; and "welcome, welcome Lafayette! friend of Washington! friend +of America! Friend of liberty!" was repeated again and again; and the +heights of Dorchester and Roxbury echoed with the joyful acclamation. + +The procession was then formed, and passed through Washington, Milk, +Broad, State, Court and Common-streets; to Boylston-street, adjoining +the south part of the Common, in the following order--"Three marshals, +the Boston corps of Light Dragoons, a battalion of Light Infantry, +composed of the Fusiliers, Boston Light Infantry, Winslow Blues, +Washington Light Infantry, New-England Guards, Rangers, and City Guards; +and a full band of music. Then followed the chief marshal, attended +by aids; members of the City Council, Committee of Arrangements, the +President of the Common Council and senior Alderman, all in carriages. +Here was placed another marshal, immediately preceding the elegant +barouche, drawn by four beautiful white horses, in which rode the +distinguished GUEST of the city and of the nation, accompanied by +the mayor, with marshals also on either side. The son and friend of +Lafayette, and gentlemen aldermen from New-York, next followed in +carriages; and these were succeeded by the society of the Cincinnati, +public characters, Judges and Legislators, and distinguished strangers, +in carriages also. Immediately after, two marshals; field and staff +officers of the militia, mounted on horseback, and followed also by two +marshals. The cavalcade of citizens, of all ranks and in great numbers, +with marshals attending, closed the voluntary but triumphant procession." + +The dwelling houses and stores on the streets through which the +procession was conducted, were crowded with inhabitants in every part. +The ladies thus situated, caught the enthusiasm of the occasion, waved +their white handkerchiefs, and, with smiles and gladness, greeted +the veteran hero, who appeared affected and delighted by these +demonstrations of a joyful welcome. The moment Lafayette arrived at +the line of the city, the bells struck, and rang merry peals, while the +procession was passing through the streets. + +Excepting the cavalcade, the procession passed through the Common from +Boylston to Park street, on the eastern margin, and between too lines +of children of both sexes, belonging to the several schools in the city. +Their ages were from about eight to twelve, and nearly three thousand in +number. Their dress was neat and uniform; the misses in white, and the +masters in white pantaloons and blue spencers. They also wore ribbons +in their breasts, stamped with a miniature likeness of Lafayette. As +the carriage, in which the general rode, was passing, one of the misses +darted from the line where she was standing, and begged to speak with +him. She was handed into the carriage, and by the Mayor presented +to Lafayette, who pressed an affectionate kiss on her blooming, yet +blushing cheek. She had confidence, however, to address him, and to +place a wreath of flowers, which she held, on his head. He made her a +short but affectionate reply, and placed the wreath on the seat of the +carriage. Attached to the wreath of flowers was a small piece of paper, +carefully folded, which contained these lines: said to be composed by +the mother of the child. + + "An infant hand presents these blushing flowers, + Glowing and pure as childhood's artless hours, + Where roses bloom, and buds of _promise_ smile, + Repaying with their charms the culturers toil. + + Oh! _take them_ FATHER, they were culled _for you_! + (Still bright with warm _affection's_ sacred dew--) + O let them _live_ in thy benignant smile, + And o'er thy _brow of glory_ bloom awhile! + 'Twined with the _laurel_ Fame on thee bestowed + 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 _all thine own_! + + Go, fragile offering, speak the ardent joy + Our bosoms feel, which _Time_ can ne'er destroy!" + + +Arches were thrown across several of the principal streets, through +which Lafayette was conducted, covered with evergreens and flowers, and +containing appropriate mottos. There were two in Washington-street, the +largest, and part of the distance, the widest street in the City.--On +one of these was very legibly written--"1776--WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE. +_Welcome Lafayette--A Republic not ungrateful_." On the other + + "WELCOME LAFAYETTE." + + "The Fathers in glory shall sleep, + Who 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." + + +The lines were from the pen of a citizen of Boston, whose poetic talents +had often delighted the public, and who had received the highest praise +from those capable of appreciating the productions of genius. + +When the possession arrived at the steps of the State House, near the +head of Park Street, salutes were fired by a battalion of artillery on +the eminence on the western part of the Common, and at the Navy Yard at +Charlestown. Salutes were also fired by a battalion of artillery, placed +on the heights of Dorchester, (now South Boston,) when General Lafayette +reached the line of the city, at 11 o'clock. The President of the +United States had caused an order to be issued, on the first arrival of +Lafayette, at New-York, requiring, that he be received by the military +officers of the nation, at all public posts, with the salutes and honors +due to one of the highest rank in the army. + +The Governor and Executive Council of the Commonwealth, were assembled +in the spacious Senate Chamber to receive Lafayette in the name of the +Representatives of the people, and in pursuance of their resolve of June +preceding, as well as in accordance with their own personal feelings +and wishes. His Excellency the Governor, here addressed him with great +feeling, [Footnote: Governor Eustis was so affected, that he had to +call on one of the aids to read the greater part of the address.] in the +following concise and pertinent speech: + + +"SIR, OUR FRIEND,-- + +"In the name of the government, and in behalf of the citizens of +Massachusetts, I have the honor 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 are indulged with this occasion +of renewing to you our grateful acknowledgements for the important +services which you have rendered to our common country. + +"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. + +"With the enjoyment of the blessings of independence, we shall never +cease to associate the name of Lafayette, and our prayer to heaven will +be for his health and prosperity." + +To which the General, with much animation, replied:-- + + +"SIR, + +"When, in the name of the people and government of this State, your +Excellency is pleased so kindly to welcome an American veteran, I am +proud to share 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 to my sentiments." + +Afterwards, a great number of gentlemen were introduced to Lafayette, in +the Senate Chamber; of whom were the Judges and other public officers of +the United States, of the State and of the City; members of the society +of Cincinnati, with their venerable and distinguished President, Hon. +John Brooks, late Governor of the Commonwealth. Lafayette recognized his +old military and personal friend, at the first sight, and embraced +him with great cordiality and affection. Some other veterans of +the revolutionary army, who were present, he also recollected; and +discovered strong emotions as they approached him and took his hand. +Indeed, he was so eager to meet them, that he very generally first +seized them, and clung to them with all the affection of a brother. The +scene was inexpressibly affecting. There was not a heart untouched--not +a cheek unmoistened by the falling tear. To weep then was not weakness; +it was proof of gratitude and of a generous feeling, which is an honor +to human nature. + +By particular request, and to gratify the wishes of the people collected +in front of the State House, General Lafayette appeared in the colonnade +of this superb edifice, where he was greeted with loud and continued +cheers. He was then conducted by the committee of arrangements, to the +residence provided for him at the head of Park Street. A public dinner +was given by the city authorities, in honor of their noble guest; and +the invitation was extended to Senators and members of Congress, the +Governor and Ex-Governor of the Commonwealth, judicial and other public +characters. + +A committee of the society of Cincinnati Called upon General Lafayette +at the residence of the Governor, in Roxbury, and before his entrance +into Boston. They were anxious to offer him their congratulations at the +earliest moment; and to bid him welcome to the land they had unitedly +struggled to defend. And a few days after his arrival, the whole society +waited on him, when their President made the following address:-- + + +"SIR, + +"The Society of Cincinnati of the State of Massachusetts 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 powerful 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 devoted friend, not only of our beloved country, +but of the sacred principles of civil liberty and human rights. But we +greet you under more tender and hallowed associations; in the endearing +relation of a brother-soldier, 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 powerful 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, we refer you as to a transcript of our own. +It would be vain to imagine the joy that would swell the great mind +of Washington, were he still living to recognize with our nation, the +generous disinterestedness, the glowing ardor, 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 solemn reality, that not a single individual of the +General Staff of the army of the American Revolution now survives 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 a lapse of +so long a period, to witness the consummation of the principles of our +revolution. You will perceive, sir, that the hopes and predictions of +the wise and good men who were your particular associates in the arduous +struggle, have been fulfilled and surpassed. You will behold a great +people united in their principles of jurisprudence, cemented 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 felicitations on your +safe arrival among us, and to welcome you once more to the good land +which your youthful valor contributed to elevate and distinguish. + +"May your future life be as tranquil and happy as your past has been +useful, uniform, and glorious." + +To which the General returned the following answer: + +"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 matchless +paternal Chief, whose love to an adopted son, I am proud to say, you +have long witnessed--But while we 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 recognise my +surviving 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, and equality, +those three essential requisites of national and personal dignity and +happiness; that we have lived to see those sacred principles secured to +this vast Republic, and cherished elsewhere by all generous minds, shall +be the pride of our 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 companion and friend." + +On Wednesday was the anniversary of commencement in Harvard University, +at Cambridge. The corporation had requested the president, to send +a particular invitation to General Lafayette, to be present on the +occasion. He had expressed a wish, soon after his arrival at New-York, +to attend that literary anniversary. The corporation heard of his +intention with great satisfaction. They were sensible of his love of +literature, and of his attachment to this ancient seminary. And they +remembered, that the governors of the college appreciated his merits +_forty years_ before, by conferring upon him the highest honors they +could bestow. At a meeting of the corporation on the 21st of August, it +was voted-- + +"That the corporation learn with peculiar satisfaction, the intention +of General Lafayette to visit this part of our country, at the period of +the approaching commencement, and regard the event as auspicious to that +joyous and interesting anniversary; and respectfully request, that he +will favor the university with his company on that occasion; and thereby +afford to the members of the university, and to those who are candidates +for its honors, the opportunity of seeing and honoring the distinguished +patriot and soldier, whose willing sacrifices and valuable services +were devoted to the cause which has secured to the successive races of +American youth, the blessings of education in a land of freedom; and +whose virtuous and glorious career holds forth to the rising generation, +a bright example of the qualities which ought to adorn those, who aspire +to aid in the councils, or maintain the rights and interests of a free +people." + +General Lafayette was escorted from Boson to Cambridge, on Wednesday +morning, by a company of cavalry, and accompanied by the Governor +and Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth. In passing through +Cambridge Port, he was gratefully cheered by the assembled citizens, and +eloquently addressed by one of the most distinguished, in the name of +the whole. The reply of Lafayette was characteristic and affectionate. +He was met by the Corporation and Professors, on his arriving within the +precincts of the college, and thus addressed by the learned President +Kirkland-- + +"We bid you welcome, General Lafayette, to the most ancient of the +seminaries of our land. The Overseers 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 peculiar pleasure, at +this literary festival, gratified that, you regard the occasion with +interest, and espouse the attachment, 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 character and course, marked by moral +dignity, have challenged particular respect and sympathy. As the patron, +the champion and benefactor of America, you have a relation to us, by +which we call you our own, and join gratitude and affection to exalted +esteem. The early and costly pledges you gave of devotion to the +principles and spirit of our institutions, your adoption of our perilous +and uncertain contest for national existence, your friendship in the +hour of our greatest need, have associated your name in the minds and +hearts of Americans, with the dearest and most affecting recollections. +The fathers teach their children, and the instructors their pupils, 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 supporters; 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. +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 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 motives 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 diffusion among a people of political power. + +"Accept our wishes and prayers for your health and happiness. May the +Invisible Hand which 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." + +The following is the substance of the General's reply:-- + +"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. +I beg, you to accept my warmest thanks for your kind expressions of +personal civility to myself, and my best wishes for the continued +prosperity of the valuable establishment over which you preside." + +When he entered the place provided for the celebration of commencement, +where a numerous company of ladies and gentlemen had assembled, to +attend the ceremonies and literary performances of the day, there was +an instantaneous and universal acclamation; not stunning and boisterous; +but the decorous and chastened greeting of an intelligent audience. When +he, reached the stage, he bowed repeatedly to the assembly, with great +apparent sensibility. Several of the young gentlemen, alluded to him in +their orations; and some dwelt particularly on his early devotion to the +cause of America in the struggle for independence, with great effect. +These notices, though short and indirect, were calculated to excite the +grateful recollections of the audience; who responded to the sentiments +with enthusiastic acclamations. + +Thursday and Saturday mornings, for several hours, he received the +personal compliments and congratulations of a great number of the +inhabitants of Boston and vicinity, of both sexes. They were presented +to him, on the spacious area of the ground floor of the State House. +The house provided for his residence while in the city, though unusually +large, was not well adapted for such crowds of visitors as pressed to +behold him. Many aged people were presented, who had served with him in +the revolutionary war, or recollected events of that period, which they +were desirous to relate. Some were on crutches, and others bared their +arms to show the honorable scars occasioned by the bayonet or ball of +the enemy, in the "glorious fight" for freedom. Some could boast of +having fought under his command, or by his side, at Brandywine and +Monmouth; and others, that followed in his path of peril and glory in +Virginia, in 1781, and assisted in successfully storming the redoubt at +Yorktown, on the memorable evening of the 15th of October, which decided +the fate of Cornwallis. + +He seized the hands of these his old companions in arms, with great +eagerness and emotion; and while they, in the honest pride of their +souls related their "hair-breadth escapes," which led the spectators +almost to envy their claims to such honourable boasting, the veteran +hero exclaimed, "O my brave Light Infantry! My gallant troops!"--Several +aged citizens who were personally engaged in opposing the British forces +who marched to Lexington and Concord, for the purpose of destroying the +Provincial stores collected at the latter place, were present at this +interview. A gun was also shown to General Lafayette, from which was +fired the ball, which killed the first of the regular troops slain on +that memorable occasion. These meetings revived recollections important +to be preserved, and served to remind the rising generations of the +principles and deeds of their fathers. We trust they did not awaken any +angry or hostile feelings towards an ancient enemy; but served only to +kindle our gratitude to Almighty God, for his gracious interpositions in +our behalf, and to perpetuate our respect for the remains of those who +offered up their lives for our freedom and welfare. + +On Thursday, by particular request of the literary society of "_Phi Beta +Kappa_," so called, in the university, General Lafayette attended +the celebration of their anniversary at Cambridge. It was never known +before, that any one, however distinguished either for literature or +virtue, was invited to dine with the society, unless a member of some +other branch of the association. The departure in this case, from the +invariable usages and rules of the society, is proof of the very high +estimation in which Lafayette is held, and of the disposition, in all +classes of citizens, to manifest their respect for his character. He +proceeded to the university, about 1 o'clock, when he was again greeted +with the hearty cheers of the citizens, as he passed the high-way, +and when he arrived. The public performances on this occasion, were an +oration and a poem. The latter was prepared at very short notice, +and had particular reference to the visit of the illustrious hero and +philanthropist, Lafayette. It purported to be the vision of the _Genius +of Liberty_. It was a felicitous effort of the poetic muse. The gradual +but certain dissolution of ancient despotic systems was predicted, as by +the spirit of inspiration; and the blessings and joys of well regulated +freedom were described with a masterly pencil, as extending and +spreading in all parts of the civilized world. It was the electrifying +voice of genius speaking to hearts full of gratitude and swelling with +joyous emotions. + +The orator was not less happy in his subject, nor less ingenious and +eloquent in its illustration. His object was to present, in all its +force, the motive to intellectual and literary effort. He assumed the +progressive nature of the human mind; referred to the advances already +made in science and the arts, and in civil governments; noticed the +tendencies in society to higher improvements; and glanced at the +facilities for social happiness and intellectual and moral excellence, +in this western world, under our mild and republican institutions. +It was an uncommon display of talent and research, and of profound +observations on the present, improved and improving condition of man. He +pointed out the happy destiny which awaited the United States, which a +powerful imagination had predicted, but which sober facts also authorize +us to expect; and called upon the literary and patriotic youth of our +country to use all honorable efforts for hastening on this glorious +issue. In speaking of the wisdom, firmness and courage of our patriotic +fathers, by whom our liberties were secured, and our independence +established, he paid a just tribute to the disinterested and heroic +services of Lafayette, who cherished and aided our cause in the most +gloomy periods of the war. The reference was most appropriate; and the +statement of his zeal and efforts in our behalf, produced such a deep +conviction of his devotion to America, and of his influence in +obtaining the support of France, which, probably, saved our country from +subjugation, that a deep and strong emotion was produced in the whole +immense concourse; which, subdued as it was for a time, burst forth, +at last, in overwhelming and almost convulsive agitations. The orator +seemed not to aim at such an extraordinary impression. He reminded +his hearers indeed of "truths surpassing fiction;" he brought to their +recollection past scenes of danger endured, the generous and heroic +deeds performed--he spake of the "Paternal Chief," who was the guide +and support of other brave spirits, now laid low in the silence of +death--The effect was wonderful: the whole audience were melted into +tears of mingled gratitude and respect; gratitude for such patriotic +services, and of respect for the memories of men, who had secured the +blessings of civil liberty to the immense and increasing population of +this extensive country. Lafayette was very sensibly affected, by this +unexpected expression of gratitude for his early services, and by the +strong emotions manifested by the assembly, at the name of Washington. +The hours passed in the dining hall were consecrated to reminiscences of +the interesting events which occurred in the revolutionary contest, to +grateful recollections of the statesmen and heroes, who advocated and +defended the cause of freedom, and thus led the way in the glorious +march of human improvement and happiness, which the present generation +is so rapidly pursuing. Here were assembled the judges of the land, the +ministers of religion, the legislators of the state and nation, +several of the heroes of the revolution, and numerous eminent literary +characters from various parts of the United States, to unite with the +younger sons of Harvard, in offerings of affectionate gratitude to a +man, who had no gifts of power or titles of honor to bestow; but whose +useful services and uniform course of honorable and benevolent purpose, +in their estimation, claimed a higher tribute than was due to sceptered +princes, or the most renowned conquerors of ancient or modern times. + +On Friday morning, committees from Portsmouth, Portland, Newport, +Haverhill, Newburyport, Plymouth, and from Bowdoin College, inviting him +to visit those respective places; where the people were desirous to see +him, and to offer personally their welcome salutations. He was unable to +comply with these flattering invitations, as he had engaged to return +to New-York, at an early day. But he received these testimonies of +attachment with great sensibility; and expressed a hope to visit them +before his final departure from the United States. He left his place of +residence in Boston at 10 o'clock, accompanied by Governor Eustis and +suit, Governor Brooks, the deputation from New-York, the Mayor and +committee of arrangements of Boston, and proceeded to Charlestown, which +he previously engaged to visit, at this time. As he passed through the +streets in the north part of the city, the people pressed around him, +testifying their regard, and cheering him on his way with repeated +acclamations. Raised arches, wreathes of evergreen, and variegated +colours added to the brilliancy of the scene. He was met at the +centre of the bridge, which is the dividing line between Boston and +Charlestown, by the Chief Marshal and his aids, and conducted to the +square, where a committee of the citizens of that town was in waiting to +receive him. A procession was then formed, headed by two marshals, and +escorted by a regiment of light infantry, and a battalion of artillery, +with martial music, consisting of the committee of arrangements, General +Lafayette, his son and friend who accompanied him from France; the +Governor and suite, Governor Brooks and General Dearborn, Judges of +the Courts and members of the Supreme Executive Council of the State; +deputation from New-York, Mayor and committee of Boston, officers of +the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the State; +strangers of distinction, and civil officers of the town of Charlestown. +It proceeded to Bunker Hill, where the chairman of the committee of the +town, addressed Lafayette as follows:-- + + +"SIR, + +"In behalf of the inhabitants of Charlestown, the committee of +arrangements present their respectful salutations to General Lafayette, +and bid him a cordial welcome 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 we participate in the thrill of delight, +which every where 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, liberty once moved in blood and tears;--her chariot on wheels +of fire. Now she comes to her car of peace and glory; drawn by the +affections of a happy people, to crown on these same heights, with civic +honors, a favorite son, whose early strength was given to her sacred +struggles, and whose riper years are now permitted to behold the +splendor of her triumphs. In the fullness of our hearts 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 valuable life may be prolonged to +the utmost limits of earthly happiness;--that the land which has been +enriched with the dew of your youth, may be honored as the asylum of +your old age;--that the country which now blends your fame with the +mild lustre of Washington, may henceforth 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 the General replied-- + +"With profound reverence, sir, I tread this holy ground, where the blood +of American patriots--the blood of Warren and his companions, early and +gloriously spilled, aroused the energy of three millions, 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 hope, to the practice of their rights. Such +have been the effects of a resistance to oppression, which was, by many +pretended wise men of the times, called rashness; while it was 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 accept the homage of my gratitude for your kind welcome, and of those +sentiments of affection and respect, which, for so many years, I have +cherished toward their town." + +While on this memorable eminence, he was informed by Governor Brooks, of +the recent association for erecting a monumental pillar on that hallowed +spot, to perpetuate the remembrance of the justly celebrated battle of +the 17th of June, 1775; when a few regiments of undisciplined militia, +made a brave stand against a large regular British force, commanded by +generals of great experience and courage. This great event, so important +in the annals of our country, as it convinced the English government +of the resolution of the colonies to maintain the liberty which they +claimed, and of the daring courage of the American people. This event is +to be commemorated in June next, when fifty years will be completed, +by an oration, and other public appropriate services and ceremonies. +General Lafayette expressed great satisfaction of the proposal. He +requested that he might be considered a subscriber for the monument; and +assured the gentlemen present, that it would be his wish and endeavour +to attend the celebration. + +General Lafayette availed of this opportunity to visit the navy yard, +in Charlestown, belonging to the United States, in compliance with a +previous invitation from the officer commanding on the station: and he +appeared highly gratified with the establishment in all its departments. +He agrees entirely with those enlightened politicians of our own +country, who have always considered a naval force of great advantage to +America, if not absolutely necessary to our Independence. He dined +this day with his Excellency the Governor, in company with several +revolutionary veterans, and a large number of public characters of this +and the neighbouring states, who were then on a visit to the capital. + +Saturday, after receiving the salutations of the citizens, who were +desirous of being presented to him, he set off for Medford, to visit +his particular and valued friend, Governor Brooks. His reception in this +beautiful village, is represented as very interesting. The citizens had +comparatively short notice of the visit to that place; but they greeted +him with great cordiality, and the honors bestowed were not unworthy +of their distinguished guest. The main streets and the houses which he +passed before he reached the mansion of Governor Brooks, were filled +with children and people, who repeatedly bid him welcome, with great +cordiality, and expressed their gratitude and joy on beholding the man, +who they had learned, had done so much for their beloved country; +and who was the respected friend of one among them, whom they always +delighted to honor. A company of artillery fired a salute, as he entered +the village; and several arches were thrown across the street, decorated +with flags, and wreaths of flowers and evergreens. Under one of them he +was met by the selectmen, one of whom thus addressed him-- + + +"GENERAL LAFAYETTE, + +"The selectmen of Medford, as the representatives of the town, deem it a +grateful and honorable part of their duty to bid you welcome. + +"They are proud, sir, that Medford is the birthplace of one of your +companions in arms--a man, who by his bravery in the field, his +patriotism and civic virtues, contributed to acquire as much glory to +our country, as honor 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 expressions of esteem and gratitude of +this numerous people, whose freedom and happiness your exertions +so essentially contributed to establish, we hope you will find some +compensation for all your trials, sacrifices and sufferings; and we feel +much complacency, that, in this respect you have gained so complete a +triumph over the monarchs of the world. + +"Again sir, we bid you a most cordial welcome; and hope, the +testimonials of approbation you are receiving from every heart and +every tongue, will forever retain an instructive lesson to mankind, +that patriots who endure faithfully to the end, shall not lose their +reward." + +The General said in reply--"I am most happy in visiting my old brother +soldier and friend, General Brooks, to be received with so kind a +welcome: You speak of _compensation_, sir; the smallest part of the +delight which I have experienced in America, would more than repay me +for all my services and all my sufferings." + +Several evening parties were given in honor of Lafayette, while he +was in Boston, by some of its most distinguished citizens. On these +occasions, he manifested great pleasure on meeting the children or +relatives of the patriots of our revolution, with many of whom he had a +personal acquaintance. It was delightful to observe the eagerness with +which the ladies, old and young, pressed around him and the pride with +which they boasted of hawing taken his hand. His countenance and manner +discovered the joy which filled his heart, in cherishing recollections +of past services, which he might indulge without vanity; and in +perceiving the gratitude, which a deep sense of those services excited +among all classes. He manifested a desire to attend the religious +service of the Sabbath at the church in Brattle-street, where he had +formerly joined in worship with Bowdoin, Hancock and Cooper; he was +accordingly conducted there, accompanied by the Mayor of the City and +Chief Justice of the State. The sermon, by the learned and pious pastor +of that Church, which was an occasional one, was happily calculated +to direct and chasten the feelings of the audience. He inculcated the +sacred duty of confidence and joy in the providence and moral government +of God, and of gratitude to those who had been raised up to be +instruments of extensive blessings to our country. The most ardent +were gratified, while the more sober and devout were pleased, that no +complimentary panegyric was pronounced incompatible with the solemnity +of the place and day. In the afternoon he visited. Hon. John Adams at +Quincy; the truly venerable patriot of 1775; a decided, zealous advocate +for independence in 1776; the able and faithful minister of the nation, +at foreign courts; and sometime President of the United States. +Mr. Adams is eighty-eight years of age, and his constitution much +debilitated within a few years. But his powerful mind is still bright +and vigorous; and he dwells with great enthusiasm upon the glorious +prospects of our rising empire. His highly valuable services to the +country can never be forgotten. For no one, if Washington be excepted, +among the many firm asserters of our rights in the struggle for +independence, could justly claim a greater portion of gratitude and +praise from the present generation. + +Desirous of offering all due honors to General Lafayette, and knowing +his taste for military exhibitions, the Governor ordered the militia of +Boston, which constituted a brigade, of the first division, and an equal +number from Essex and Middlesex, which included the second and third +divisions, to assemble on the Common in the city of Boston, on Monday, +the 30th of August; This was really a proud day, particularly for the +citizen soldiers of Massachusetts; but _all_ classes of the people +enjoyed this imposing and honorable display. For our militia are justly +considered the ornament as well as the defence of the republic. +Citizens of all professions take an interest in their appearance, their +discipline and their reputation. The ranks are composed of our valuable +and industrious population; and their officers are to be found among +our respectable mechanics, merchants and professional gentlemen. The +exhibition was the most splendid of the kind recollected by the oldest +inhabitants. There were above five thousand men armed and equipped, and +their appearance and movements would have done credit to regular troops. +Their officers are men of talents and ambition. The impression made upon +the minds of a great concourse of distinguished citizens, in the civil +department, who were present, was highly creditable to our military +system, and to those, whose duty it is to attend to the execution of +laws on the subject. The Governor, as Commander in Chief, had ordered a +spacious marque to be erected, where upwards of fifteen hundred people +were accommodated in partaking of an abundant collation; rations were +also dealt out to all the troops on duty at the expense of the State. +The spectacle was most magnificent. The officers and soldiers did +themselves and the State great honor by their exact discipline and +soldierly appearance; and by the promptness and regularity of their +movements. The illustrious visitor was highly pleased, the strangers +were gratified; and the militia themselves felt a conscious pride, in +having an opportunity to offer appropriate salutations to one who was +both a soldier and a philanthropist. + +Should it be supposed by the sober citizens of other countries, or +by those in our own, who did not join in these offerings of grateful +admiration to Lafayette, and who therefore could have felt nothing of +the enthusiasm which such scenes are calculated to produce; that there +was too much parade or an undue measure of sensibility manifested on +this occasion; it may be proper to observe, that no conclusion is to be +drawn from this great rejoicing, that the people of Boston, or in fact +of the United States, are disposed to pay higher regard to eminent +men of the military than in the civil department; or that they have +so little discrimination, as to bestow applause upon merely splendid +achievements. It is believed to be a fact, that the most intelligent and +sober part of the community were as ready to engage in these processions +and ceremonies as those of the more common and uninformed class of +citizens. How could it be otherwise? These are convincing proofs of the +zeal, disinterestedness and devotion of General Lafayette to the +cause of American liberty and independence--of his bravery, activity, +judgment, constancy and fidelity--of his attachment to Washington and +other patriots, and of their regard for him; and of his uniform support +of regulated liberty in his own country. In his early days, he had +risked every thing and had done every thing which an individual could +possibly endure or attempt, in our behalf. He had now in advanced life, +left his own beloved retirement in a distant hemisphere, to visit this +land of liberty, and of his affections; to behold the prosperity, +order, enjoyment and felicity of a great people. His character, too, is +unstained by bloodshed and crime; it is consecrated on the contrary by +the prayers, and tears and benedictions, of all good men in America and +Europe. Who then will censure or wonder, that he should be received +by the moral and sober people of America, with all that cordiality and +enthusiasm, which were discovered on his arrival among us? We do not +forget Washington; our beloved, and almost adored Washington--nor are +we insensible to the merits and virtues of other statesmen and heroes +of our own country. But, surely we may be allowed to greet this old +distinguished benefactor, with a cordial welcome, without subjecting +ourselves to the charge of extravagance or caprice. + +The character of the militia in Boston, and generally through the state, +has been much improved within the last fifteen years. They have recently +adopted a cheap uniform; and great improvements have been made in +adopting the modern system of tactics. The independent companies +need not decline a comparison with regular troops; and, what is very +important to the respectability of the militia, their officers are +intelligent and ambitious, and actuated by a patriotic spirit, which +is a pledge of fidelity and a stimulus to honorable exertion. The high +praise bestowed upon the militia at this review, was justly merited. + +General Lafayette left Boston on Tuesday morning for Portsmouth, in the +state of New Hampshire, intending to pass through Marblehead, Salem and +Newburyport, on his way to the former place. A number of distinguished +citizens, and a Committee of the City Council accompanied him to the +northern line of the city; and the governor's aids attended him to the +extreme part of the state adjoining New Hampshire. On his route, he was +greeted by the inhabitants of Chesea, Lynn and Marblehead, with great +feeling and respect, alike honourable to themselves and gratifying to +the friend and guest of the nation. Addresses were also made to him, in +these several towns, expressive of their gratitude for his services, +and of the lively sense they had of his present visit to the country. He +took breakfast at Marblehead, where almost the whole population of this +industrious and patriotic town were presented to him. He also met here, +some gentlemen celebrated for their naval exploits in the war of the +revolution. + +His reception at Salem was very distinguished and splendid. At the +entrance of the town, he was met by the selectmen and committee, a +numerous cavalcade, and a large body of citizens in carriages, and +received a salute of artillery; on advancing a short distance within +the bounds of the town, the bells commenced ringing, and the escort was +joined by a battalion of light infantry, and a body of seamen, of about +two hundred, in blue jackets and white trousers, with ribbons on their +hats, stamped with the name of Lafayette. + +"With the hearty cheers of these hardy sons of Neptune, the General +appeared to be peculiarly impressed. Over South Salem bridge were +two tastefully decorated arches--one bearing the 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_." These arches were surrounded by an immense +number of citizens, who made the air ring with their huzzas and +welcomes. The figure of an Indian Chief characteristically dressed, bore +labels inscribed "_Lafayette and Liberty. Welcome generous Lafayette_." + +"The procession passed through the principal streets, which were +thronged with spectators; while the windows of the houses were crowded +with females, all eager to see and welcome the heroic visitor. + +"Civic Arches, historical and patriotic Inscriptions, memorable eras, +wreaths of flowers and evergreens, banners and flags, were displayed +in many of the streets, enlivening the scene, animating the cheers, and +affording grateful recollections. + +"Central street was gaily dressed in colours, and on an elegant arch +were inscribed the names of distinguished patriots of the revolution, +crowned with those of WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE. In North-street a +similar arch bore the inscription:--"_Honor to him who fought and bled +for the peace and happiness we now enjoy_." On an arch at Buffum's +corner, was inscribed, "LAFAYETTE, _the friend of Liberty, we welcome +to the land of liberty. He did not forget us in our adversity--In our +prosperity we remember his services with gratitude_." Near the above, +another arch bore a likeness of Lafayette, surmounted by an eagle. + +"Near the avenue leading to the bridge at which, in February, 1775, +Col. LESLIE, with a detachment of the British 64th regiment, met with a +repulse in an attempt to carry off some canon deposited in the vicinity, +were banners, with the following inscription:-- + + _"Leslie's Repulse_, 1775. + _Lafayette's Renown_, 1824." + +"In Winter-street an arch bore the following inscription on American +duck, made at the factory in Salem-- + + 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 fame of Lafayette." + +"Washington-square was decorated with two arches, tastefully ornamented, +one bearing the name of the General in oaken characters and the second a +bust of Washington. + +"On Washington-square the General passed between two lines of +boys, about one thousand in number, arrayed under their respective +instructors, all bearing Lafayette badges. One of the gates of the +square bore this inscription.--"_The children welcome with joy, the +illustrious benefactor of their fathers_." And as the General passed, +they shouted "_Welcome Lafayette_." + +"Notwithstanding the heavy rain, this youthful band could not be +prevailed upon to leave the ground, but remained bravely at their post +until they had shared with their parents in the honor and happiness of +greeting the nation's guest. + +"From Washington-square the procession passed to the Coffee-House, now +named _Lafayete Coffee-House_ (late _Essex;_) where, on a temporary +stage, erected in front of the house, the Committee of Arrangements +received their illustrious guest, and Judge Story, the president of the +day, in the most interesting and eloquent manner, welcomed him in the +following address:-- + + +"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 with pride and exultation, have descended to the grave, +and cannot greet you 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 +is a cause, deemed 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 service--your modest dignity and +enthusiasm on receiving the homage of a free people--these were 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. +I stand now in the presence of some, venerable in age and character, who +were the delighted witnesses of that interview, and whose hearts again +glow with the feelings of that happy day. + +"To us of a younger generation--the descendants of your early friends +and companions in arms, a different but not less interesting privilege +belongs. We are allowed the enviable distinction of meeting in his riper +years, one, whom our fathers loved in their youth. We welcome you to our +country, to our homes, to our hearts. We have read the history of your +achievements, your honors, and your sufferings! They are associated +with all that is dear to us--with the battle-grounds, consecrated by +the blood of our heroes--with the tender recollections 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 +doubtful contest for Independence, and you crossed the Atlantic at the +hazard of fortune, fame and life, to cheer us in our defence? That you +recrossed it to solicit naval and military succors from the throne +of France, and returned with triumphant success? That your gallantry +checked in the southern campaigns, the inroads of a brave and confident +enemy? That your military labours closed only with the surrender at +Yorktown, and thus indissolubly 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 nation. + +"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 +humanity 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 justice, and the asserter 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 with the +approving conscience of a life devoted to the good of mankind. At this +very moment you are realizing the brightest visions of your youth, in +the spectacle of ten millions of people prosperous and happy under +a free government, whose moral strength consists in the courage and +intelligence of its citizens.--These millions welcome your arrival to +the shores of the west with spontaneous unanimity; and the voice which +now addresses you, feeble as it is, repeats but the thoughts that are +ready to burst from the lips of every American." + +The General's reply was in his usual manner.--It was brief, +affectionate, and full of feeling. + +An impressive circumstance occurred in the delivery of the +address.--When the Judge came to that part which says, "_We could not +forget them if we would; we would not forget them, if we could_;" the +spontaneous assent of the assembled people to the sentiment, was given +by "_No, never_;" repeated by thousands of voices, and accompanied by +deafening shouts of applause. + +A great number of introductions to the General took place. Of them, were +several revolutionary officers and soldiers. + +At Beverly and Ipswich he received from the assembled inhabitants, the +same cordial welcome with which he had been greeted in other towns, +through which he passed. The selectmen of these places waited on him, +and offered him the congratulations of their fellow citizens; the people +greeted him with repeated cheers of "_welcome, welcome Lafayette_;" and +arches were erected at several public places, containing appropriate +mottoes. The houses of the villages through which he passed, after the +evening set in, were brilliantly illuminated. + +It was evening when he arrived at Ipswich, and the weather was very +inclement. The inhabitants had, therefore, assembled in the meeting +house to receive him. Thither he was conducted by a committee of the +town; and on his entrance, he was greeted with great exultation and joy. +One of the committee addressed him as follows:-- + + +"GENERAL LAFAYETTE, + +"Accept from the people of Ipswich, their cordial congratulations on +your arrival in their country and within their own borders. To this +ancient town, sir, we bid you a joyful welcome. + +"Having devoted to our beloved country, in her weak and critical +situation, the vigor of your youth and the resources of a mind intent +on the cause of freedom and humanity, and committed to a common lot with +her, your own destinies,--that country can never forget the services +you rendered, and the sacrifices you incurred, for her defence and +protection, when assailed by overbearing power. + +"We rejoice in having an opportunity of presenting ourselves in this +house, consecrated to the worship of the God of our fathers, who has +kindly raised up friends and patrons of the cause of our country and of +liberty, to pay to you our grateful respect for your eminent labours. + +"Most of those who acted in, or witnessed the great scenes in which you +bore so conspicuous a part, have now descended to the tombs of their +fathers. The present generation can rehearse only what they have heard +with their ears, and their fathers have told them. But the name of +Lafayette is not confined to any generation. While the liberties of +America shall endure, it will descend from father to son, associated +with those of the immortal Washington, and other heroes and sages of our +revolution, as the friend of our country, of liberty, and of man. + +"Illustrious benefactor--may the blessing of Heaven ever attend you, and +may your remaining days be as happy, as your past have been perilous, +useful and honorable." + +To which the General made the following reply:-- + + +"SIR, + +"The attentions paid me by my American friends, I receive with +inexpressible gratitude. I regret that so many of my friends here, +should be exposed on my account to this storm. I have ever considered it +my pride and my honor, that I embarked in the cause of Independence in +this country; and I rejoiced when I found myself again landed on the +American shores. You, kind sir, the people of this town, and all who are +assembled in this solemn place, will please to accept my thanks for +this expression of your attachment, and receive my best wishes for your +individual prosperity and happiness." + +He reached Newburyport a little past ten o'clock, where he passed the +night. His lodgings were the same which Washington occupied, when he +made his tour through the northern states, in 1789, the first year of +his presidency. The following address was made to him, by the chairman +of a committee of that town:-- + + +"GENERAL LAFAYETTE, + +"The citizens of Newburyport are happy in this opportunity of greeting, +with the warmest welcome, a distinguished benefactor of their country. + +"The important services, which you rendered this people 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 engraved upon our hearts. + +"We would lead you to our institutions of learning, charity and +religion; we would point you to our hills and valleys covered with +flocks, and smiling in abundance, that you may behold the happy effects +of those principles of liberty, which you was so instrumental in +establishing. + +"Our children cluster about you to receive a patriot's blessing. Our +citizens press forward to show their gratitude. Our nation pays you a +tribute, which must remove the reproach that republics are ungrateful. + +"As the zealous advocate for civil liberty, we bid you welcome; as +the brave defender of an oppressed people, we make you welcome; as the +friend and associate of our immortal Washington, we bid you welcome." + +General Lafayette replied in his usually courteous and animated manner, +and evincing his great sensibility to the kind and friendly greetings +with which he had been received. He here also met several veterans of +the revolutionary army; a gratification which he enjoyed in almost every +place he visited. Though the number is rapidly lessening, a few remain +in most of the populous towns of the Commonwealth. + +He left Newburyport Wednesday morning for the capital of New-Hampshire. +The escort contemplated to have attended on his way to the bounds of +the state, was prevented by the heavy rain. It was at his urgent +request that it was dispensed with. The committee of the town however, +accompanied him to Hampton; where he was met by a deputation from +Portsmouth, and conducted on his intended route. When passing through +Greenland, a procession of the citizens was formed, by which he was +attended through the villages. Here he was welcomed also by salutes from +an artillery company, by civic arches and repeated acclamations of the +assembled people. One of the arches was supported by two young ladies, +representing LIBERTY and PEACE. One presented him a wreath, adorned with +flowers, and said, "_Venerable sire, condescend to receive this emblem +of the hero's glory, as the token of a nation's gratitude and love_." +The other presented him the olive branch, saying, "_Good and faithful +servant, peace and happiness await you_." He received these with +complacency, took each young lady by the hand, and made an affectionate +reply. + +He then proceeded to Portsmouth, where he arrived about noon. He was +conducted into this town by an escort on horseback, and a procession +of carriages, (the whole extending two miles) composed of the civil, +judicial and legislative authorities; officers of the United States +and of New-Hampshire, &c. &c. The margins of the avenue leading to the +centre of the town, was lined with children, with the inhabitants of +both sexes in the rear; who greeted him with their cordial welcomes and +repeated acclamations. Salutes were fired, and the bells rang a joyous +peal; and the streets through which the procession passed, were crowned +with arches, decorated with wreaths of evergreen and garlands of +flowers. The procession moved through several streets to Franklin Hall: +and here, when General Lafayette alighted, the chairman of the selectmen +addressed him thus:-- + + +"SIR, + +"The selectmen of Portsmouth, in behalf of their fellow citizens, most +respectfully and heartily bid you welcome. + +"Enjoying, as we do, the happiness of a free government, we cannot but +feel grateful to all, by whose exertions it was obtained. Those intrepid +men among ourselves, who in the hour of danger stood forth in defence +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 happiness, and the prosperity of their children. _They_ +found a motive for exertion in their own interest; which, while it +derogates nothing from the value of their services, places in a strong +light, the pure zeal and contempt of private advantage, which led _you_ +to our aid, from the shores of a foreign land. _Their_ love of liberty +was necessarily the sentiment of patriotism; _yours_ was an ardent +desire for the general welfare of mankind. + +"After an absence of forty years from our country, most of which have +been 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 Magdeburg and Olmutz, or in the Chamber of +Deputies, 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 such honors +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 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 every nation, to contend manfully and perseveringly for the +freedom and happiness of the world." + +To which the General made the following reply:-- + + +"GENTLEMEN, + +"It would have been to me an inexpressible 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 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, mingles with +most grateful 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 selectmen, I offer my +most respectful and affectionate acknowledgments." + +Gov. Morril gave him the hearty welcome of the State, in the following +address:-- + + +"GENERAL, + +"Forty years have rolled away since you left this asylum of liberty, +for your native country. During 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 their breasts 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 the name of the patriotic citizens of +New-Hampshire generally, allow me to say, that it is with no ordinary +emotions we receive and welcome you to our State. + +"We receive you, sir, as the friend of our nation, of liberty, 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 Colonies, then the seat of war, (contending 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 Republics, but more especially of the Republic of the +United States, and the smiles of Heaven, may rest upon you to the last +period of your life." + +The General, in his characteristic reply, alluded very affectionately +to his departed associates; and the interesting changes which have taken +place since he left the country. It is not necessary to add, that he +expressed with emotion his acknowledgments for the cordiality of his +welcome. + +There was a very splendid ball in the evening, in honor of Lafayette, +which he attended, and where a great number of ladies were presented +to him. He left Portsmouth, 11 o'clock at night, to return to Boston, +having engaged to be there on Thursday morning. While at Portsmouth he +received pressing invitations to visit Exeter and Dover, but was obliged +to decline them. He reached Boston about 7 o'clock, Thursday morning; +and after taking some necessary repose, he received a number of +revolutionary officers and soldiers; and deputations from several towns +in the interior, lying on his rout to Connecticut. He then repaired to +the Council Chamber, and took leave of the Governor and other members of +the Supreme Executive: and afterwards set off for Lexington and Concord, +and thence to Boston on his way to Worcester. He left Boston at about +two o'clock, in a carriage provided by the State for his accommodation, +and attended by the committee of arrangements of the city, and by the +Governor's aids, who waited on him to the bounds of Connecticut. When +he left the City, he expressed the gratification and delight he had +experienced from the interesting recollections which had occurred to his +mind, and from the great cordiality and affection with which he had been +received. The Mayor assured him, that he and others were happy in the +opportunity they had to manifest their attachment and respect to the +early and faithful friend of the nation, and the firm and uniform friend +of civil liberty. + +When he passed through West Cambridge, the whole population of the +town were assembled to honor the friend and guest of the nation, and +to gratify their patriotic feelings by beholding this justly celebrated +personage. Artillery corps stationed on the eminences adjoining the +public road saluted him as he passed; and the country rung with loud +huzzas and joyful acclamations. At the line of Lexington, he was +received by a troop of horse and cavalcade of citizens, who conducted +him into that ancient town. On his way, he passed under an arch, bearing +this inscription--"_Welcome, friend of America, to the birth place of +American liberty_." Salutes were again fired, and he was then conducted +to the monument erected in memory of the attack of the British troops +upon the militia of that place, April 19, 1775. He was here welcomed +and addressed by one of the citizens in behalf of the town. Near the +monument, he was introduced to _fourteen_ of the militia company, which +had assembled at that time, and on whom the regular troops fired, when +eight of the number were slain. + +After this very interesting scene, General Lafayette proceeded to +Concord, and was met at the line between that place and Lexington, by +a committee of the town and a respectable cavalcade of the intelligent +yeomanry of the vicinity; there was also an escort composed of several +companies of militia. The procession, thus formed, moved forward to the +village, and the distinguished visitor was conducted to a spacious bower +prepared for his reception, and tastefully decorated with evergreens and +flowers by the ladies of Concord. As he entered the village, he received +a salute from the artillery corps, and the vocal salutations of the +inhabitants of both sexes, who had assembled to present him their +grateful offerings. The peals of the village bell prolonged the +acclamations of the admiring throng. The following inscription was to +be seen in a conspicuous place in the arbor--"_In 1775, the people +of Concord met the enemies of liberty; In 1824, they welcome the bold +asserter of the rights of man, LAFAYETTE_." A sumptuous repast was +provided for the occasion; and the tables were covered with all the +delicacies the season and country could afford. + +When General Lafayette had entered the arbor, one of the citizens +addressed him by the following speech:-- + +"The inhabitants of Concord, by this delegation, welcome you, General, +to their village. We thank you for affording us an opportunity here to +offer our humble tribute of gratitude for services long since rendered, +but still held in lively recollection. You, sir, now behold the _spot +on which the first forcible resistance_ was made to a system of measures +calculated to deprive the whole people of these States of the privileges +of freemen. You approved this resistance. A just estimate of the +value of rational liberty led you disinterestedly, to participate with +strangers in the toils, the privations, and the dangers of an arduous +contest. From the 19th day of April, 1775, here noted in blood, to the +memorable day in Yorktown, your heart and your sword were with us. Ten +millions of grateful people now enjoy the fruits of this struggle. +We can but repeat to you, sir, the cordial, affectionate, respectful +welcome offered to you at your first arrival on our shores, and which we +are assured will be reiterated wherever you move on American ground." + +The General was, as usual, extremely happy in his reply, and alluded +with sensibility to the memorable scenes of April 19, 1775. + +The ladies of Concord and vicinity were present at this civic and +patriotic repast; and it added much to the interest and splendour of the +scene. Coffee was served up, as a counter-part of the entertainment; and +Lafayette appeared to be highly pleased with the hearty reception which +he met in this hospitable town. Some revolutionary characters called +upon him here, who had not before seen him since he arrived; and were +received with great cordiality. He spoke of the gun which had been shown +him in Boston, by an inhabitant of Concord or vicinity, and which was +first fired against the ministerial troops of Britain. He said, "it was +the alarm gun to all Europe and to the world. For it was the signal, +which summoned the civilized world to assert their rights, and to become +free." + +The visit at Concord was necessarily short as he had engaged to pass the +night at Bolton, about twenty miles distant. He left Concord at sun-set; +and was escorted on his route to Bolton, by a company of cavalry and +several gentlemen of distinction belonging to that place and vicinity. +He was every where greeted by the people, who collected in companies +at various places, to offer him their hearty welcome. The houses on the +road were illuminated, and bonfires were kindled on the adjoining hills. +The militia of Bolton were assembled to receive him, though it was +late in the evening when he arrived. The selectmen offered him their +salutations and welcome in the name of the town. He passed the night at +the hospitable mansion of Mr. W----, where taste, variety and elegance +contributed to render his reception very distinguished. Mr. W---- had +resided much in France, and was particularly acquainted with Lafayette +and family. Committees from Lancaster and Worcester waited on him at +Bolton, to learn his plans and the probable hours of his being in those +places, and to communicate the desires of the people to present him +their tribute of affection and regard. He visited Lancaster early on +Friday morning, where all classes of the inhabitants were assembled to +bid him welcome, and to express the affectionate sentiments by which +their glowing bosoms were animated. A corps of cavalry still escorted +him--a national salute was fired--and the turnpike gate, at the entrance +of the village, was ornamented with garlands of flowers and evergreens, +and displayed this inscription, "_The_ FREE _welcome the_ BRAVE." He +was conducted through lines formed by the citizens of both sexes, to an +elevated platform, prepared in the centre of the village, and near the +church; where he was addressed by the Reverend Pastor-- + + +"General LAFAYETTE, + +"In behalf of the inhabitants of Lancaster, I offer you their cordial +congratulations on your arrival in a country, whose wrongs you felt and +resented; whose liberties you valiantly defended; and whose interests +and prospects have always been dear to your soul. + +"We all unite with the few surviving veterans, who were with, loved, and +respected you on the high places of the field, in giving you a welcome +to this village, once the chosen residence of savages, and the scene +of their most boasted triumph; and rejoice that you visit it under the +improvements of civilized life, in prosperity and peace. + +"It gladdens us, that we and our children may behold the man, whom we +have believed, and whom we have taught them to believe, was second only +to his and our friend, the immortal Washington. We participate in your +joy, on beholding our institutions in vigor, our population extended, so +that, since you left us, from a little one we have become millions, and +from a small band a strong nation; that you see our glory rising, our +republic placed on an immoveable basis, all of which are in part, under +Providence, to be ascribed to your sacrifices, dangers and toils. + +"We wish you health and prosperity. We assure you that wherever you +shall go, you will be greeted by our fellow countrymen, as one of the +chief deliverers of America, and the friend of rational liberty, and +of man. It is especially our prayer, that on that day in which the +acclamations and applauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect +you, you may receive from the Judge of character and Dispenser of +imperishable honors, as the reward of philanthropy and incorruptible +integrity, a crown of glory which shall never fade." + +It is unnecessary to add, that this eloquent and pious greeting excited +strong emotions in the General, and had an impressive effect on the +assemblage who heard it. + +The following is a report of General Lafayette's reply:-- + +"Accept my thanks, sir, for the kind welcome you have offered me in the +name of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In returning to this country after +so long an absence; in receiving such proofs of gratitude and affection +wherever I go; in witnessing the prosperity of this land,--a prosperity +you are pleased to say, I have been instrumental in promoting;--I feel +emotions for which no language is adequate. In meeting again my former +friends, in seeing the children and grand children of those who were my +companions in the war of the revolution, I feel a gratification which +no words can express. I beg you to accept, sir, and to offer to these +people, my grateful, my affectionate acknowledgments." + +In passing through Sterling and Boylston, he was saluted by the +artillery companies in those respective towns, and hailed by the cordial +salutations of the people, who crowded from the neighbouring country to +behold the man, whom all delighted to honor. The whole population seemed +to be in motion; and both old and young were eager to offer him their +personal greetings. Several arches were thrown across the public road, +at short notice; but indicative of the grateful dispositions of the +citizens. This motto was observed on one of them--"_Welcome_ LAFAYETTE, +_friend of_ WASHINGTON, _and adopted son of America_." + +His _entree_ and reception at Worcester was highly interesting. He +remained in this village several hours. The taste and wealth and +patriotism of this flourishing _shire_ town were unitedly and +spontaneously put in requisition to prepare due honors for the "nation's +guest." The number and neatness of the military, arches spacious +and highly ornamented, extensive lines of the citizens and of youth +expressing their gratitude in frequent and loud acclamations--all +conspired to render the scene particularly brilliant. Here, as in other +places, the ladies were eager to manifest the high estimation, in which +they held the character of this eminent friend of liberty and virtue. +He was addressed with great eloquence and feeling, by Judge Lincoln, in +behalf of the citizens of the town and county of Worcester. + + +"GENERAL LAFAYETTE, + +"The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have spontaneously +thronged together, to offer you the tribute of their affection, their +respect, their gratitude. + +"In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the _shire_ of an +extensive county of more than 75000 population, in behalf of all who are +present, and in anticipation of the commands of those, whom distance +and want of opportunity occasion to be absent from this joyous scene, I +repeat to you the salutations, which elsewhere have been so impressively +offered upon your arrival in this country, and your visit to this +Commonwealth. Welcome, most cordially welcome, to the presence of those +who now greet you! + +"Your name, sir, is not only associated with the memorable events of +the American revolution, with the battle of Brandywine, the retreat from +Valley Forge, the affair near Jamestown, and the triumph at Yorktown; +but the memorials of _your_ services and _our_ obligations exist, in the +Independence of the nation which was accomplished, in the government of +the people which is established, in the institutions and laws, the arts, +improvements, liberty and happiness which are enjoyed. The _sword_ was +beaten into the _ploughshare_, to cultivate the soil which its temper +had previously defended, and the hill-tops shall now echo to the sea +shore the gratulations of the independent proprietors of the land, to +the common benefactor of all ranks and classes of the people. + +"Wherever you go, General, the acclamations of Freemen await you--their +blessings and prayers will follow 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 and the rights of +man; and may the bright examples of individual 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 liberty in republican governments." + +The General, in reply, said in substance, "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 witnessed; that he saw the best +proofs of a great, prosperous and happy people, in the rapid advancement +of the polite and useful arts, and in the stability 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, for the kind +expressions; which had been offered him by the committee, and, in a +feeling impressive manner, reciprocated their good wishes." + +Speaking to an individual of the attentions he had received, he +observed. "It is the homage the people pay to the _principles_ of the +government, rather than to myself." + +The inhabitants of Sturbridge and other places through which General +Lafayette passed, on his way to Hartford, in Connecticut, assembled +in their respective towns, and presented him the ready homage of +affectionate and grateful hearts. Companies of artillery fired salutes; +ladies and gentlemen gathered round him to bid him welcome to America, +and to express their deep and lively sense of his past services; and +many veterans of the revolutionary army pressed upon him, without +ceremony or introduction, expecting, as they found, a friendly and +cordial reception. + +General Lafayette was received at Hartford, in Connecticut, where he +arrived on Saturday morning, with similar marks of affection and esteem +to those so cordially bestowed on him in the towns he had already +visited. He was expected by the citizens on Friday evening, and +arrangements were made for a general illumination. He was escorted +into the city by the military, and a large procession of the citizens +received him soon after he entered within its bounds, and conducted him +to the State House, where he was addressed by the Mayor of the city, who +assured him of the affectionate welcome, with which the people received +him, and referred to the past services of Lafayette, which were still +highly appreciated. And he expressed great happiness in beholding so +many proofs of the prosperous state of the country, and in witnessing +the invaluable effects of our free institutions. The greater part of the +inhabitants of both sexes were personally presented to him; and there +was an assemblage of children of about eight hundred, the misses all +dressed in white, wearing badges with the motto, "_Nous vous aimons_ +LAFAYETTE." A gold medal was presented him by one of the children, which +was enclosed in a paper containing these lines. + + Welcome thou to freedom's clime, + Glorious Hero! Chief sublime! + Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd, + Vows of filial ardour breathed, + Veteran's 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, + "_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE." + + Brandywine, whose current roll'd + Proud with blood of heroes bold, + That our country's debt shall tell, + That our gratitude shall swell, + Infant breasts thy wounds regret, + "_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE." + + Sires, who sleep in glory's bed, + Sires, whose blood for us was shed, + Taught us, when our knee we bend, + With 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, + "_We will love you_ LAFAYETTE." + +In comparison with the population of Hartford, a greater portion of his +revolutionary companions were here presented to him than in any place +he had visited. The number was nearly one hundred. These marched before +him, in the procession, in a connected column and attended by their own +music. It is hardly necessary to say, that their beloved general gave +them a most cordial greeting. By one of the citizens, a sash and pair of +epaulets were produced, which were worn by Lafayette when he entered the +American army. The _sash was stained with blood_ from his wound received +in the battle of Brandywine. He left Hartford late in the afternoon, and +proceeded to Middletown, where he embarked in a steam boat for New-York. +The citizens of this place regretted, that he could not pass some time +with them; and receive the attentions, which their grateful feelings +would induce them to bestow on a zealous and able friend of American +independence. + + +HIS RETURN TO NEW-YORK. + +General Lafayette reached New-York on the following day, about noon; and +was conducted to the City Hotel by the committee of arrangements, who +were in waiting to receive him, when he arrived at the wharf. Multitudes +assembled, who greeted his return, and renewed their joyful acclamations +on meeting him again as a guest of their city. On Monday, the Cincinnati +of the State of New-York gave a public dinner, in honor of "their old +companion in arms," at which were also present several other persons +of distinction, and the members of the City Council. This was the +anniversary of the birth of Lafayette; and the circumstance increased +the interesting associations of the interview. The hall of meeting was +richly decorated with appropriate emblems, and portraits of some of the +heroes of the revolution, and bearing the hallowed name of Washington. +In the toasts given on this occasion, were illusions to the important +events which occurred in the war of the revolution, and to many of +the distinguished characters, who conducted it to a successful +issue--Washington, Greene, Lincoln, Steuben, Knox, Gates, Clinton, +Kosciusco, De Kalb, Hamilton and others. + +The first volunteer toast was by the President of the Society, and was, +"_Our distinguished guest_;" when a transparent painting was suddenly +illuminated and unveiled, and displayed a "WELCOME;" and over the head +of Lafayette a beautiful wreath of flowers was suspended. He rose and +said,--"with inexpressible delight at our brotherly meeting, with my +affection to you all, my very dear friends and companions in arms, I +propose the following sentiment; The sacred principles for which we +have fought and bled--_Liberty, equality and national independence_; may +every nation of the earth in adopting them, drink a _bumper_ to the +old continental army." [Footnote: Some of the toasts given by General +Lafayette on other occasions are here recorded, as they are indicative +of the opinions and sentiments which probably predominate in his mind. +At the public dinner in Boston, on the day of his arrival--"The city of +Boston, the cradle of liberty; may its proud Faneuil Hall ever stand a +monument to teach the world that resistance to oppression is a duty, +and will, under true republican institutions, become a blessing." In +the College Hall at the dinner of the Society of _Phi Beta Kappa_--"_The +Holy Alliance_ of virtue, literature and patriotism: It will prove too +powerful for any _coalition_ against the rights of man." At the military +dinner on the Common in Boston, when the brilliant parade took place +before mentioned--"The patriotic troops who have paraded this day, +they excite the admiration of every beholder, and fill the heart with +delight." At the dinner given by the citizens of Salem--"The town of +Salem: may her increasing prosperity more and more evince the blessings +of popular institutions, founded on the sacred basis of natural and +social rights." And at Portsmouth, he gave that town, and added, "may +the blessings of republican institutions furnish a refutation of the +mistaken and selfish sophistry of European despotism."] + +On the next day, he visited the public Schools, the College, the +Hospital, and Academy of Fine Arts; and on Wednesday, embarked in a +steamboat to view the fortifications in the harbor of New-York. In +the evening following, he attended the theatre, and was received with +universal and repeated acclamations. Many eminent persons from distant +parts of the United States visited New-York, at this time, for the sole +object of meeting the celebrated friend of America. Among these +were Mrs. Lewis, a niece of General Washington; and Mr. Huger of +South-Carolina, the brave and generous youth, who attempted the +liberation of Lafayette from the dungeon of Olmutz, at the imminent +hazard of his own life; and who suffered a long and severe imprisonment +for his disinterested interference. He also visited the widowed ladies +of Generals Montgomery and Hamilton. Of the latter general, he was the +personal and ardent friend. + +A public dinner was given to Lafayette by the French gentlemen resident +in New-York; many of whom were among the constitutionalists in France +in 1783; and who manifested equal respect and veneration for this +distinguished confessor of regulated liberty, as the citizens of +America. Several of the Aldermen of the city also gave splendid +entertainments to the guest of the nation, who could justly claim to +have acted an important part in the establishment of our freedom and +independence. + +He consented to attend the examination of several of the free +schools--and appeared highly gratified by the evidence given of the +improvement of the pupils. At one of the schools, consisting of 400 +misses, after the examination, the following lines were chanted by the +pupils: + + Welcome, Hero, to the West, + To the land thy sword hath blest! + To the country of the _Free_, + Welcome, _Friend of Liberty_! + + Grateful millions guard thy fame, + Age and youth revere thy name, + Beauty twines the wreath for thee, + Glorious _Son of Liberty_! + + Tears shall speak a nation's love, + Whereso'er thy footsteps move, + By the choral _paean_ met-- + Welcome, welcome, Lafayette! + +The _African_ free school was not overlooked. While on his visit here, +one of the trustees announced, that General Lafayette had been elected a +member of the Manumission Society of New-York. The truly venerable John +Jay is President of this benevolent association. One of the children +stepped forward, and expressed their sense of the honor of the visit, +and of their satisfaction in reflecting, that he was friendly to the +abolition of slavery. + +But the most splendid scene exhibited in this proud city, was the _fete_ +at Castle-garden. This was an evening party and ball, at which _six +thousand_ ladies and gentlemen were present. It was the most brilliant +and magnificent scene ever witnessed in the United States. Castle-garden +lies at a very short distance from Battery-street, which is a spacious +and elegant promenade, on the south westerly part of the city. It was +formerly a fort, and is about one hundred and seventy feet in diameter, +of a circular or elliptical form. It has lately become a place of +great resort in the warm season of the year. Everything which labor and +expence, art and taste could effect was done to render it convenient, +showy and elegant. An awning covered the whole area of the garden +suspended at an altitude of seventy-five feet; the columns which +supported the dome were highly ornamented, and lighted by an _immense_ +cut glass chandelier, with thirteen smaller ones appended. + +The General, made his appearance about 10 o'clock; when the dance and +the song was at an end. The military band struck up a grand march, and +the Guest was conducted through a column of ladies and gentlemen to a +splendid pavilion. Not a word was spoken of gratulation--so profound, +and respectful, and intellectual was the interest which his presence +excited. The interior of the pavilion which was composed of white +cambric, ornamented with sky blue festoons, was richly furnished. +Among other interesting objects was a bust of Hamilton, placed upon a +Corinthian pillar and illuminated with a beautiful lamp. In front of +the pavilion was a triumphal arch, of about 90 feet span adorned with +laurel, oak, and festoons, based upon pillars of cannon fifteen feet +high.--A bust of Washington, supported by a golden eagle, was placed +over the arch as the presiding deity. Within the arch was a symbolic +painting nearly 25 feet square, exhibiting a scroll inscribed to +Fayette, with the words:-- + + "_Honored be the faithful Patriot_." + +Soon after the General entered, the painting just alluded to was slowly +raised, which exhibited to the audience a beautiful transparency, +representing La Grange, the mansion of Lafayette. The effect was as +complete as the view was unexpected and imposing. Another subdued +clap of admiration followed this tasteful and appropriate and highly +interesting display. + +Universal harmony and good feeling prevailed; and about half past +one o'clock, the General left the Castle, and embarked on board the +steamboat James Kent, in his excursion up the North River, amidst +renewed and prolonged acclamations. Eighty sets of cotillions were +frequently on the floor at the same time. + +A writer concludes the account of this fete thus; "Taking into view the +immense space of the area, the gigantic ceiling of which was lined with +the flags of all nations, festooned in a thousand varied shapes, and the +whole most brilliantly illuminated, we can safely assert that there was +never any thing to equal it in this country. + +"The seats now erected around the area will accommodate about 3000 +persons. + +"There were 200 servants employed on this occasion, dressed in white +under clothes, and blue coats, with red capes and cuffs." + +He did not arrive at West-Point until about noon, having been detained +some hours on the passage, by the steam boat getting on the flats in a +thick fog. Before he reached this memorable spot, and as he passed +near the banks of the Hudson, the people collected in great numbers, +at several places, tendering him the hearty _welcome_ of freemen, and +expressing, by loud and long acclamations, their joy at his presence. On +his arrival at West-Point, the whole establishment were in readiness to +greet him. He was received under a national salute. Generals Brown +and Scott of the army of the United States were also here, to bid him +welcome, and bestow those honors due to the highest general officer in +the national service, as well as to one who justly merited the nation's +gratitude. He passed several hours at this celebrated spot; highly +pleased with the appearance of the cadets, and with the evidences +exhibited of improvements in military science. The recollection of times +long since gone by gave a deep interest to the visit at this memorable +post, some time the Head-Quarters of the American army; and the place +where the infamous Arnold attempted to barter away the independence of +the country. Some of the cadets wear the swords presented by Lafayette +to a corps of American troops in the war of the revolution. + +At a late hour in the afternoon, he proceeded up the river to Newburgh, +where nearly 20,000 people were collected to greet him. They had been +waiting his approach with great eagerness, and arrangements had been +made to receive him with due honors, and expressive of their unbounded +affection and regard. The lateness of the hour prevented their being +carried into full effect. A splendid ball was given, and a sumptuous +repast prepared; and he was addressed in behalf of the town, by one of +the principal citizens. Arches were thrown across the principal street, +and most of the buildings were illuminated. He regretted, that he had +not more time at Newburgh; for this, too, is memorable as the residence +of WASHINGTON, and a part of the continental army in 1781. He embarked +on board the steam boat, at twelve o'clock, and proceeded up the river, +on his way to Albany. He reached Poughkeepsie at the rising of the sun. +But the militia were assembled, the banks of the river, and the wharves +were crowded by a happy population, impatient to present their offerings +of gratitude and esteem to their heroic and benevolent visitor. Their +repeated cheers made the _welkin_ ring. When he landed, he was received +by a battalion of the militia, in full uniform. A procession being +formed, he was conducted through the most populous part of the town, to +the city hotel, receiving as he passed, the constant greetings of the +people. + +The spacious hall in which breakfast was provided for him, was +tastefully ornamented, and in various public places, inscriptions +and mottos were displayed, which were expressive of the affection and +respect of the inhabitants for their distinguished guest. A number of +his old companions in arms were presented to him, both at this place and +at Newburgh; among them was one who had served with much credit as an +officer through the war, who was _ninety-five_ years of age, with all +his faculties unimpaired. + +The reception of Lafayette at Catskill, Hudson and Livingston's manor, +was highly gratifying to him, and honorable to the sensibility and +patriotism of the people. He was every where met with demonstrations of +joy. The overflowing gratitude, the sumptuous hospitality, the military +pride, which were manifested wherever he paused, if but for an hour, +were new proofs of one universal feeling of affectionate attachment to +the friend of WASHINGTON and adopted son of the nation. + +Very splendid preparations were made in Albany for his reception: and a +great number of people had assembled from all the neighbouring towns. +He did not enter the city till evening, which prevented in some measure, +the brilliant honors which had been intended to be offered. A committee +proceeded to meet him several miles from the city, and to conduct him on +his way. They were attended by an escort of dragoons, and a great number +of the citizens in carriages. The roar of cannon announced his approach, +and the houses in the city were at once illuminated. The procession +moved on to the capitol, amidst the cheers and _welcomes_ of 40,000 +people. General Lafayette was here addressed by the mayor of the +city; and being introduced to the governor, he also offered him the +salutations of the state. A number of the revolutionary officers and +soldiers were then presented to him. The interchange of greetings was +most affectionate between the parties, and most interesting to the +spectators. A standard of Gansevort's regiment, which had waved at +Yorktown, under the command of Lafayette, attracted particular attention +among the numerous decorations in the capitol. In the course of the +evening, he was conducted to the splendid ball room, where the ladies +appeared in all their attractions, and were anxious to show their +respect to the far-famed hero, who almost fifty years ago, had devoted +his life and his all, to the cause of America. + +On the following day, many of the inhabitants of both sexes were +introduced to him, at the capitol. The old soldiers of the revolution +were among them. One, when he took his hand, said, "General, I owe my +life to you; I was wounded at the battle of Monmouth. You visited me in +the hospital--you gave me two guineas, and one to a person to nurse +me. To this I owe my recovery, and may the blessing of heaven rest upon +you." + +He afterwards visited Troy and the great canal, recently made in the +state of New-York, the commencement of which is not far from the city +of Albany. He was accompanied by the governor, Hon. De Witt Clinton, the +chief projector and patron of this great work, by a deputation of the +city council, and several other gentlemen of distinction. When passing +to the canal, he was greeted with repeated _welcomes_ by the people +who crowded the streets and the public roads. The steam boat which +he entered, was commanded by a captain of the revolutionary army. On +passing the arsenal, he was saluted by three field pieces captured +at _Yorktown_. Here he was also shown the field train taken from +_Burgoyne_, and some French field pieces which he was instrumental in +procuring to be sent to the United States, in 1779. At Troy, he was +received by a deputation of the city, and one of them addressed him in +the name of the inhabitants; referring to his meritorious services, and +declaring the joy they experienced in beholding him in this favoured +land of peace and freedom. He also received an affectionate address +from the Free Masons, and one still more affectionate from the ladies of +Troy. They bid him _welcome_, and acknowledged that to him, with others, +they were indebted for the blessings of social, and the joys of domestic +life. The misses of the academy were then presented to him, and sang a +hymn prepared for the occasion. He made a short reply, but was so much +affected, that it was not sufficiently understood to be preserved. He +then returned to Albany, followed by the cheers and blessings of the +people, who crowded about him on the water and on the land. + +In the evening he embarked on board a steamboat for the city of +New-York, "amidst the melody of music, the shouts of the people, and the +roar of cannon." His departure excited deep regret, but it was matter +of joy, that they had had opportunity to present their offerings of +respect, to such a pre-eminent friend of America. + +In the winter of 1777-8, General Lafayette was a short time at Albany, +as commander of the troops stationed in than quarter, after the capture +of Burgoyne. There was a plan in contemplation at this time, to make an +attack upon Canada, but it was not prosecuted. The recollection of this +circumstance, no doubt, added to the pleasure which swelled the joyful +hearts of the good people of Albany. For his conduct in that department, +as well as on all other occasions, manifested his great regard for the +comfort and the improvement of the soldiers. When he first arrived, he +was not very cordially received; he was young, being then only about +twenty; and they were full of respect also for their victorious general +Gates. But his attention was immediately given to improve the condition +of the troops; he was constant in his personal anxiety to provide +clothes, provisions and comfortable quarters for them, of which they +were sadly deficient. He visited the hospital, and furnished cordials +for the sick, from his own private resources; and was also duly careful +of the discipline and order of those, who were able to perform military +duty. The feeling of the soldiers was soon changed; they became +personally and warmly attached to him, in a short time, and many, at +this day, have a deep and grateful remembrance of his kindness as a man, +as well as of his fidelity and energy as an officer. + +General Lafayette passed three days in the city of New-York, on his +return from Albany. The society of Free Masons gave him a public dinner, +which was uncommonly sumptuous and splendid, and the mayor of the city +entertained him with distinguished hospitality. Wherever he appeared, +many of the citizens attended him, and all expressed their joy at his +presence. One of them presented him a cane, worn by FRANKLIN, and left +in his will to Washington. + +He left New-York on Thursday, the 23d of September, attended by a +deputation of the city and the Society of Cincinnati. When he reached +the shore of New Jersey, the Governor of that state was ready to receive +him. He bid him welcome in the name of the state, and offered him his +own cordial salutations. He was conducted on his way by squadrons of +horse, and a large cavalcade of the citizens, and his progress was +announced by frequent salutes. His reception at Newark was unusually +splendid; three thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry were paraded +and reviewed by him. A spacious bower was prepared to receive him, which +was highly ornamented, and he was addressed by the Attorney General +of the state. After partaking of a collation, he proceeded for +Elizabethtown, accompanied by the governor, with a military escort. A +procession of the citizens was formed to receive and conduct him into +the centre of the city; arches and bowers were erected, military parade +exhibited, salutes were fired, and bells were ringing; the people +cheered, the ladies welcomed him; collations were prepared, and public +officers were eager in their attentions and assiduities. + +Pursuing his route towards Philadelphia, he reached _New Brunswick_ the +next day, and the day following, arrived at _Princeton_. He was detained +on his way, at several places, by the earnest solicitations of the +people, who were desirous of manifesting the grateful sense they +cherished of his meritorious services and exalted worth. At Princeton, +he was met by a deputation from _Trenton_, a place rendered memorable by +the victory which General Washington obtained over a large body of the +British troops in December, 1776, when he had under his command a much +smaller number, many of which were militia. He was escorted to that +place by the citizens and a company of cavalry, as in other parts of +his journey. When he arrived, he was addressed by the mayor, in a very +affectionate manner. We can only furnish the following extract:-- + +"To receive upon this spot, where your Friend, our illustrious +WASHINGTON, raised the first successful barrier against the relentless +tide of oppression, which, in the eventful period of seventy-six, was +rolling over our country; the hero who, in the succeeding stages of our +revolutionary struggle, acted so conspicuous a part, and contributed so +essentially to its glorious termination, cannot fail to awaken the most +agreeable sensations. Next to our beloved Washington, there is no +name entwined with deeper interest in the hearts of Jerseymen, 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 +fortune open 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, and we trust, so gratefully enjoy." + +The following is the General's answer to the address at Princeton:-- + + +"GENTLEMEN, + +"While the name of this city recalls important military remembrance, +it is also connected with that of the illustrious college, which, in +diffusing knowledge and liberal sentiments, has greatly contributed to +turn those successes to the advantage of public liberty. Your library +had been destroyed; but your principles were printed in the hearts of +American patriots. I feel much obliged, sir, to your kind recollection +of the diploma, which the signature of my respected friend Doctor +Witherspoon, renders still more precious to me; and I beg you, +gentlemen, and you, interesting grand sons of my contemporary friends, +to accept my affectionate acknowledgments." + +The civic arch reared at Trenton to his honor was the same, which +35 years before, was erected to receive the revered Washington.--A +sumptuous dinner was served up to him, his family, and the deputations +which attended on him. He spent the evening with his brother-soldiers of +the Cincinnati, and other revolutionary worthies. + +On the Sabbath he attended divine service in the forenoon, and visited +Joseph Bonaparte in the afternoon. The latter apologized for not making +the first call, on the ground that it would necessarily involve him in +public associations, which it was his duty and his wish to avoid.--He +added, "_I am in adversity and misfortune--You, General, are full of +honor and glory, and deserving of both_." + +After passing the Delaware, thirty miles from Philadelphia, he was met +by the Governor of Pennsylvania and suite, with an escort of two hundred +and fifty cavalry. For his accommodation, a splendid barouche was +provided, drawn by six cream coloured lofty steeds. "The guest of the +nation entered its former capitol" about noon, on Tuesday, the 28th +of September. When the Governor met Lafayette, as above mentioned, he +welcomed him to the State in the following address:-- + + +"GENERAL LAFAYETTE, + +"The citizens of Pennsylvania behold, with the most intense feeling and +exalted regard, the illustrious friend and companion of Washington. + +"With sentiments of the highest veneration and gratitude, we receive +the early and great benefactor of the United States; the enlightened +statesman, philanthropist and patriot of both hemispheres. + +"The sincere and universal joy which your arrival has diffused over +the nation, is no where more deeply or enthusiastically felt, than in +Pennsylvania; whose fields and streams are rendered memorable by your +achievements; whose citizens were the followers of your standard, and +the witnesses of your sacrifices and toils, in the defence of American +liberty. The eventful scenes of your useful life are engraved on our +hearts. A nation has rejoiced at your successes, and sympathized with +your sorrows. + +"With ardent pleasure we have ever observed your strenuous exertions as +the friend of man; and whilst your great services, rendered in the cause +of humanity, have commanded our admiration, the purity of your motives +has insured the love and affection of Americans. + +"With the best feelings of the heart we now approach you, with the +assurance that, if any thing could add to our happiness on this +interesting occasion, it would be the hope of enjoying the distinguished +honor of your permanent residence among us, and that a long and splendid +life of usefulness may be closed in the State, whose soil has been +moistened with your blood, generously shed in the cause of virtue, +liberty and independence." + +Answer of General Lafayette. + + +"On the happy moment, long and eagerly wished for, when I once more +tread the soil of Pennsylvania, I find in her affectionate welcome, so +kindly expressed by her first magistrate, a dear recollection of past +favors and a new source of delightful gratifications. The very names of +this state and her capitol, recall to the mind those philanthropic and +liberal sentiments, which have marked every step of their progress. + +"Pennsylvania has been the theatre of most important events; a partaker +in the arduous toils and meritorious sacrifices, which insured the +success of our glorious and fruitful revolution, I particularly thank +you, sir, for your gratifying mention of my personal obligations to the +Pennsylvanian line; nor will I ever forget, that on Pennsylvania ground, +not far from this spot, I enjoyed, for the first time, the delight +to find myself under American tents, and in the family of our beloved +commander in chief. Now, sir, Pennsylvania is in full possession, and +reaps all the prosperities and happy consequences of that great +national union, of those special institutions, which by offering in a +self-governed people the most perfect example of social order that +ever existed have reduced to absurdity and ridicule the anti-popular +arguments of pretended statesmen in other countries. In whatever way I +may be disposed of by the duties and feelings, in which you have +been pleased to sympathise, I shall ever rank this day among the most +fortunate of my life; and, while I beg you, sir, personally to accept +my cordial acknowledgements, I offer through you a tribute of profound +gratitude and respectful devotion to the citizens of Pennsylvania." + +His entrance into the fair city, founded by the wise and benevolent +_Penn_, is described as most magnificent in all its accompaniments. +The population poured forth to meet him at an early hour. Carriages, +horsemen and pedestrians filled every avenue for a distance of five +miles; and the windows and stagings were thronged with ladies eager to +welcome him. Just at the entrance of the city, a division of militia, +composed of cavalry, artillery and infantry was drawn up in a hollow +square, on a piece of land of about forty acres, to receive the +Patriot Hero, whose approach was announced by a salute of 100 rounds +of artillery. Lafayette, uncovered and standing up in the barouche, was +seen by the whole field. The car of Saladin could not have exceeded that +of Lafayette. The troops were nearly six thousand. After the review, +which the general made on foot, he received the saluting honors in his +barouche. + +The line of march into the city was then taken up. It extended nearly +three miles, and passed through numerous streets. More than six hours +were consumed in proceeding from Frankfort to the State House, a +distance of about four miles. A full description of the procession, and +the decorated arches, &c. under which it passed, would occupy too +great a portion of this volume--we can only give the outline of the +procession. + +A cavalcade of 100 citizens preceded; followed by 100 general, field +and staff officers. Then came a _square_ of cavalry; a band of music, +mounted, and a corps of 160 cavalry. Next a brigade of infantry, with +flank companies. + +Committee of arrangements. General Lafayette and Judge Peters, in the +splendid barouche. + +Then followed four other barouches, drawn by four horses each, with +Governors Shulze and Williamson, and suites, the general's family, and +distinguished individuals. + +Then three cars, of large dimensions, containing 120 revolutionary +heroes and worthies, each car characteristically decorated; bearing on +their front "WASHINGTON," on the rear "LAFAYETTE," and on the sides, +_"defenders of our country," "The survivors of 1776_." + +Then advanced 400 young men. After these the procession of trades, led +by a car, containing a body of printers at work at case and press--the +latter striking off, and distributing, copies of an ode on the +occasion--followed by the typographical society, with a banner, with +the inscription: "LAFAYETTE--_the friend of universal liberty, and the +rights of the press_." + +Then followed 200 cordwainers (with banners, badges, emblems, &c. The +other trades were also decorated;)--300 weavers;--150 ropemakers;--150 +lads, uniformly dressed;--100 shipbuilders;--700 mechanics of different +professions, not enumerated;--150 coopers, with a car containing a +cooper's shop, the workmen fitting staves and driving hoops:--Then came +150 butchers, well mounted and neatly dressed in their frocks;--then +260 carmen, mounted, with aprons trimmed with blue; and a body of 150 +riflemen, in frocks, dressed with plaids, leopard skins, &c. A company +of artillery, with two pieces; a brigade of infantry and the New Jersey +cavalry. A body of 300 farmers closed the procession. + +Besides the above, there were the Red Men of the state, the Lafayette +Association, the True Republican Society, the Washington and Lafayette +Society; and the German American Society. + +The appearance of the whole of this truly grand procession was august +and imposing. As it passed, Lafayette! Lafayette! sprang from the voices +of a multitude that rolled on, and on, and on, like wave after wave +of the ocean, in numbers we shall not presume to name, (but which were +estimated at 200,000.) Lafayette beat in every heart--Lafayette hung on +every tongue--Lafayette glowed on every cheek--Lafayette glistened on +every swimming eye--Lafayette swelled on every gale. The whole city +and country appeared to have arrayed themselves in all their glory, and +beauty, and strength, at once to witness and adorn the majesty of the +spectacle; and the fashionable part of the community seemed determined +to exhibit the perfection of taste in the beauty of the decoration of +their persons, and the richness of their attire. In Chestnut-street +wreathes were cast into the barouche, as it passed, and many of them +were from the fairbands of Quakeresses. + +After the procession had passed through the principal streets, the front +halted at the old State-House, which contains the hall in which the +_Declaration of Independence_ was signed in 1776. + +Here the general alighted, passed under a most magnificent triumphal +arch, and was conducted to the hall, which is 40 feet square and was +decorated in the most splendid manner. Among the decorations was a +statue of Washington, and portraits of William Penn, Franklin, Robert +Morris, Francis Hopkinson, Greene, Wayne, Montgomery, Hamilton, Gates, +Rochambeau, Charles Carrot, M'Kean, Jefferson, Hancock, Adams, Madison, +Monroe, and Charles Thompson.--The portrait of Washington, by Peale, +occupied the first place, and was the most splendidly decorated. Here +were assembled the city authorities, the society of Cincinnati, +the judges, officers of the army and navy, and the committee of +arrangements, all seated on superb sofas. + +The Governor of the State having been presented, General Lafayette, +Judge Peters, and George Washington Lafayette were introduced, the +company all standing. The Mayor of the city then welcomed the guest, in +the following address:-- + + +"GENERAL, + +"The citizens of Philadelphia welcome to their homes, the Patriot who +has long been dear to their hearts. + +"Grateful at all times for the enjoyment of a free government, they are, +on this occasion, peculiarly anxious but unable to express a deep felt +sentiment of pure affection toward those venerated men whose martial +and civil virtues, under Providence, have conferred upon themselves and +their descendents, this mighty blessing. + +"Forty-eight years ago, in this city, and in this hallowed 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 patriotism, solemnly declared their determination to assume +for themselves the right of self-government; and that they and their +posterity should thence forth 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 +remains--In the front rank of these worthies, history will find, and +we now delight to honor, General Lafayette, whose whole life has been +devoted to the cause of freedom and to the support of the inalienable +rights of man. + +"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 affectionately welcome, to the guest of the +nation, the patriot Lafayette." + +The general made the following answer: + +"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 walls, by a council of wise and devoted +patriots, and in 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 true social order founded on the +unalienable rights of man, the practicability and advantages of which +are every day admirably demonstrated by the happiness and prosperity of +your populous city. + +"Here, sir, was planned the formation of our virtuous, brave, +revolutionary army, and the providential inspiration received, that gave +the command of it to our beloved, 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. + +"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 tribute of my affectionate respect and profound gratitude." + +General Lafayette remained in Philadelphia a week; and the repeated and +constant attentions shown him by public societies and by distinguished +individuals, were such as might have been expected from the celebrated +hospitality and civism of that city, and such as was not unworthy +of their eminent guest. The governor of the state was attentive and +courteous to him during his whole visit; and other public functionaries, +both civil and military, were eager of the honor of manifesting their +great respect for his character. That portion of the citizens, who +belong to the religious society of Friends, appeared equally cordial +and happy in an opportunity to assure him of their esteem. It is not +consistent with their principles to make a great parade, or to prepare +expensive and useless ceremonies. They did not all approve of the plan +of illumination. In the wish to have it general, some ardent citizens +censured the _friends_ for declining to do it--But this was a mistaken +zeal. The religious opinions and conscientious scruples of all classes +of people are entitled to respect. It would have been altogether +unjustifiable, had there been an attempt to force the _friends_ into the +measure. They are a very respectable class of citizens; and we trust, +that for no purposes of parade or ceremony, they will ever be required +to violate their consciences, or be subjected to insult for any +non-compliance. The following lines were written by one of that +religious society, on the occasion, and cannot fail to be acceptable to +every liberal mind. + + TO LAFAYETTE. + + O! think not our hearts void of gratitude's glow, + For the friend of our country, for _liberty's friend_, + Tho' we do not with others loud praises bestow, + The kind hand of friendship we freely extend. + + We welcome thee back to the land where thy name, + In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere; + Tho' we bind not thy brows with the chaplet of fame, + Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute--a tear! + + Yes--a tear of affection which starts to the eye, + When tracing thy storm-beaten pathway through life; + That thy principles pure could ambition defy, + Thy humanity prompt thee to stay the fierce strife. + + In thee we behold not the chieftain whose sword + Delighting in bloodshed is ever unsheath'd; + But the friend of mankind, whose mild actions afford + A proof that his lips no hypocrisy breath'd. + + Then welcome once more to the land where thy name + In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere; + Tho' we twine not thy brows with the war-wreath of fame, + Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute--A TEAR. + +While in Philadelphia, General Lafayette visited the navy yard. The +Governor accompanied him in this visit, and he was also attended by a +large escort and procession. He was addressed by commodore Barron, in +a very appropriate and feeling manner. A great number of ladies were +presented to him at the commodore's quarters. On his return, he attended +a splendid entertainment provided for him by the Free Masons. A ball was +also given in honor of Lafayette, while he was in Philadelphia, the +must brilliant and the most numerous ever known in the city. The Miss +Bollmans, daughters of Dr. Bollman, who generously attempted the rescue +of Lafayette from the prison at Olmutz, were present. On one day, 2000 +children assembled at the State House to be presented to him; and one +of them addressed him. The scene was said to be uncommonly +interesting.--The following was his reply to the address of the +Frenchmen in Philadelphia:-- + + +"MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN, + +"Amidst the enjoyments with which my heart is filled in this happy +country, I experience a very great one in seeing myself surrounded by +the testimonies of your friendship. It was in the hall in which now +receive you, that the sacred sovereignty of the people was recognized by +a French Minister, eleven years before it was proclaimed on the 11th of +July, 1789, in the bosom of the Constituent Assembly. You are right +in thinking that this first impulse of 1789, has, notwithstanding our +misfortunes, greatly meliorated the situation of the French people. +I participate in your wishes and your hopes for the freedom of our +country. This hope is well founded, these wishes will be fulfilled. In +the mean while I am happy in tendering to you this day the expression of +my lively gratitude and tender affection." + +We give here also the address of Captain Barron to Lafayette, when he +visited the navy yard near Philadelphia:-- + + +"GENERAL LAFAYETTE, + +"To receive you at this naval station with the highest honors, is +not less in obedience to our instructions, than to the impulse of our +hearts. + +"We rejoice in the opportunity of testifying to you, and to the world, +our gratitude to one distinguished among that band of glorious heroes, +to whom we are indebted for the privilege we now enjoy. + +"You, sir, whose whole life has been devoted to the extension of civil +liberty, must at this period be enriched by feelings which rarely fall +to the lot of man. + +"Turning from the old world, whose excesses have been almost fatal to +the cause of liberty, to the new, where that cause has prospered to +an unexampled degree, you see a proof, that political liberty is not +visionary. + +"The soldier will here behold the nation for which he has fought, not +exhausted by his triumphs, nor sacrificed to idle ambition, but raised +by his valor to liberty and independence; and while enjoying these +blessings themselves, securing them for the remotest posterity. + +"The patriot will here see a people, not distracted by faction, nor yet +regardless of their political rights, making the most rapid strides +to true greatness, and displaying in their happiness and security, the +wisdom and power of institutions engraved on their hearts. + +"To you, sir, the soldier and patriot, we offer this cheering picture; +and if ever you can be recompensed for your generous devotion to us in +our revolutionary struggle, it must be in the pleasure with which you +witness our national happiness. + +"Permit me then, dear General, to assure you that among the ten millions +that bid you welcome, none do it with more sincerity than those of the +navy." + +Answer of General Lafayette. + + +"The extraordinary honors of which an American veteran is now the +happy object, I consider as being shared in common with my surviving +companions; and for the greater part, bestowed as an approbation of the +principle, and a tribute of regard, to the memory of the illustrious +patriots with whom I have served in the cause of America and mankind. + +"It is with the most lively feelings of an American heart, that I have +sympathised in all the circumstances relative to the United States' +Navy, and proudly gloried in the constant superiority of the American +flag over an enemy, justly renowned for bravery and maritime skill. + +"I am happy, my dear Commodore, in your affectionate welcome; but +whatever may be my feelings of personal gratitude to the Navy of the +United States, I feel myself under still greater obligations to them, +for the honor they have done to the American name in every part of the +globe." + +The 5th of October, Lafayette left Philadelphia, on this journey to the +south, by the way of Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington. He passed the +Brandywine, and entered Wilmington, the capital of Delaware, on the 6th +about noon. He was received with demonstrations of lively gratitude and +joy; and a sumptuous repast was provided for him. He then proceeded to +Newcastle in that state, and was present at the marriage of Colonel V. +Dupont, formerly one of his aids in France. From this place he proceeded +to Frenchtown, where he was received by the aids of the Governor of +Maryland, with a battalion of horse as an escort for their honorable +guest. He was waited on, also, by deputations both civil and military, +from the city of Baltimore, each of which offered him their cordial +salutations in the name of those whom they represented. General Harper +was at the head of the military deputation; and having given him a +hearty welcome, introduced his Brother officers, amounting to two +hundred. Several revolutionary officers and soldiers, who had repaired +to this place for the pleasure of an early meeting, were also introduced +to him. The joy of the meeting was reciprocal. Among the many former +personal friends, he met here with M. Du Bois Martin, who procured the +ship in which Lafayette first came to America in 1777. The interview +must have been extremely interesting. + +Lafayette embarked at Frenchtown in the steamboat United States, for +Baltimore, furnished for his accommodation by that city. On his arrival +in the river, columns of smoke in the direction of Baltimore, announced +to those on board, the approach of a squadron of steam boats; and in +three quarters of an hour the Virginia, the Maryland, the Philadelphia, +&c. swept gallantly by, two on either side, crossed immediately under +the stern of the United States, and took their positions _en echellon_. +The Maryland and Virginia then came close along side, their decks +crowded with spectators, who saluted the General with continued shouts. +The whole fleet then proceeded slowly up the river, all elegantly +decorated with flags closed into the centre as it passed the narrows +opposite Fort M'Henry, and dropt anchor, forming a semi-circle near the +northern shore. + +Just as the anchor was let go a signal gun was fired, and a squadron +of eight green and white barges, which had been awaiting the coming of +Lafayette, shot across the bows of the United States, and passing +round in regular order under the stern, came along side to receive the +passengers. The first was handsomely carpeted and cushioned, manned by +masters of vessels, and intended for Lafayette. + +The General embarked in this boat amidst the repeated cheering of all +around, and pushing off made way for the others, which took on board the +committees and proceeded in order to the wharf. + +The General was received on the way by the commander of the garrison, +and proceeded to the star fort. The Governor of the State was here +introduced to the General, who addressed him, to which the General made +a feeling reply. He was afterwards conducted to the tent of Washington +by Governor Stevens, within which he was received by the society of +Cincinnati. The scene was impressive. As soon as the first emotions +had subsided, the hero of the Cowpens, Colonel Howard, President of the +society, addressed the General, who, in reply, said language could not +express his feelings. He then embraced his old companions in arms. The +General and invited guests then retired to an adjoining marquee, and +took refreshments; after which he was seated in an elegant barouche, +attended by Mr. Carroll, and Generals Smith and Howard, drawn by four +black horses, with two postillions in white silk jackets, blue sashes +and black velvet caps, led by four grooms similarly dressed. At the +outer gate, the procession was received by about 1000 cavalry. On +passing Federal Hall, a salute was fired. Descending the hall, the +procession passed under an elegant arch, and another at the head of +Market-street, where his friends left the carriage, and the General +alone proceeded down the military line, in presence of thousands of both +sexes. + +After this he descended at the Exchange, where he was received by the +Mayor and Councils, with an appropriate address and answer. He thence +proceeded in his carriage to Light-street, across which, at the entrance +into Market-street, an elegant pavilion had been erected, and where +he was received by a fine military assemblage. Here there was a truly +splendid ceremony, in presentment by the Mayor, to the General, with +Pulaski's standard, made during the revolutionary war by a Moravian Nun, +at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which belonged to Pulaski's legion, raised +in Baltimore in 1778. In 1779, Count Pulaski was mortally wounded at the +attack on Savannah; and these colors, at his decease, in 1780, descended +to the Major, who was sabred to death in South Carolina. The venerable +Paul Bentalou, Esq. now marshal of the district of Maryland, and at that +time captain of the first troop of light dragoons, and senior surviving +officer, inherited the standard of the legion, which he has preserved +with Great care to this day, with all the fond recollections and +attachments of the veteran soldier. + +In the evening, the city was brilliantly illuminated, and many of the +public and private buildings exhibited appropriate transparencies. + +On Friday, hundreds of citizens were presented to the General, in the +Hall of the Exchange; and in the afternoon he dined with the Mayor and +Corporation. In the evening, he attended the ball and supper given to +him by the citizens, which was truly splendid, and occupies many columns +in the description. + +The General was also waited upon, and addressed in the most feeling +manner, by the French residents, to whom he replied in the most +affectionate manner. + +At seven o'clock in the evening the General was received at Masonic +Hall, by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, in the presence of eight hundred +brethren, The General dined with the Cincinnati on Saturday. "On Monday +he was presented with a medal from the young men of Baltimore, with +inscriptions expressive of their gratitude. He afterwards presented +several colors to the fifth regiment, under Colonel Stewart, in his +behalf, which were received with the highest military honors. The +General then reviewed the regiment.--At eleven o'clock he left his +lodgings, and proceeded in his barouche to Whetstom Point, for the +purpose of reviewing the third division, under the command of Major +General Harper. He partook of a splendid military banquet. His honors on +leaving the city were magnificent as those of his reception. He departed +under escort on Monday, over the Washington turnpike. He was to pass the +night 30 miles from Baltimore, and enter Washington city on Tuesday at +noon." + +In no city which General Lafayette visited, had he met with a more +cordial welcome, or a more splendid reception, than in Baltimore. All +were desirous to do him honor and to express their feelings of gratitude +and respect for the guest of the nation. Many interesting recollections +must have been brought to his mind when in this city. It was here he +passed some time in 1781, when he commanded the American light infantry +in that quarter--when the British had a large army in the vicinity, +and our troops were destitute of clothing, and in a state of great +despondence. By his own personal influence and responsibility, he +obtained a loan here for the use of his troops, which was necessary to +their comfort, and served to render them in a measure contented with +their situation. The address of his old friend Colonel Howard, in +behalf of the Cincinnati of Maryland, who were assembled in the Tent +of Washington to receive his adopted son, and their beloved brother +soldier, was as follows:-- + + +"GENERAL, + +"A few of your brother soldiers of Maryland, who remain after a lapse +of forty years, and the sons of some of them who are now no more, are +assembled in the Tent of Washington, to greet you on your visit to +the United States; and to assure you of their affectionate and sincere +regard. This Tent will call to your recollection many interesting +incidents which occurred when you associated in arms with Washington, +the patriot and soldier, saviour of his country, and friend of your +youth. + +"Accept, General, our cordial sentiments of esteem for you, and of +gratitude for services rendered by you to our country--services which +will never be forgotten by the free and happy people of the United +States." + +To which General Lafayette replied-- + +"The pleasure to recognize my beloved companions in arms; the sound of +names, whose memory is dear to me; this meeting under the consecrated +_Tent_, where we so often pressed around our paternal commander in +chief; excite emotions which your sympathizing hearts will better feel +than I can express. This post also nobly defended in the late war, while +it brings the affecting recollection of a confidential friend in my +military family, associates with the remembrance of the illustrious +defence of another fort, in the war of the revolution, by the _friend_ +now near me. [Colonel Smith.] It has been the lot of the Maryland line, +to acquire glory in instances of bad as well as of good fortune; and +to whom can I better speak of that glory, than in addressing Colonel +Howard? My dear brother soldiers, my feelings are too strong for +utterance. I thank you most affectionately." + +The meeting of this Society was rendered peculiarly interesting,--there +being present, besides many other worthy veterans of the revolutionary +army, Colonel John F. Howard, the celebrated hero of the battle of +the Cowpens, January 1781, to whom Congress presented two medals, in +testimony of his singular bravery-General (formerly Colonel) Samuel +Smith, who bravely defended Mud-fort, and many years senator in +Congress; and Paul Bentalou, Esq. now marshal of Maryland district, who +was the senior captain of light dragoons, belonging to Pulaski's legion, +in 1778. Here also the very venerable Charles Carroll, one of the +signers of the declaration of independence, was introduced to Lafayette. + +We give also an extract from the address of Governor Stevens, to the +General. + + +"SIR, + +"In bidding you a hearty welcome to the state of Maryland, whilst I +gratify the feelings of my own heart, I express, though feebly, those +of the people, whom it is my pride and pleasure, on this occasion to +represent. Beneath this venerable canopy, many a time have you grasped +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 recalls, however inspiring, +it were needless to dwell upon. The recollection of them fills the 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--You are about to enter the city of Baltimore, which you have +known in other days. In her growth and embellishment, you will behold +a symbol of our national prosperity, under popular institutions and a +purely representative government.--Welcome, thrice welcome, General, to +the soil of Maryland. Nothing which we can do, can too strongly express +to you the affection and respect which we entertain for your person and +your principles, or the joy with which we receive you among us, as a +long absent father on a visit to his children." + +To this address Lafayette replied-- + + +"While your Excellency is pleased so kindly to welcome me in the name +of the citizens of Maryland, the lively gratitude, which this most +gratifying reception cannot fail to excite, associates in my heart, with +a no less profound sense of my old obligations to this state, both as +an American General and a personal friend. I am happy, sir, to have the +honor to meet you in this fort, so gallantly defended in the late war, +in presence of the brave colonel of the worthy volunteers, whose glory +on that occasion I have enjoyed with the proud feelings of an American +veteran. It was by a Maryland colonel in the year 1777, that the British +received, in the gallant defence of an important fort, one of the first +lessons of what they were to expect from American valour and patriotism. +The Maryland line, sir, in the continental army has been conspicuous, +not only in days of victory, but on days either unfortunate or dubious. +This tent, under which I now answer your affectionate address; the +monument erected to the memory of our great and good commander in chief; +the column of a later date, bearing testimonies of a glorious event; my +entrance into a city long ago dear to me, and now become so beautiful +and prosperous; fill my heart with sentiments, in which you have had the +goodness to sympathize. + +"Accept, sir, the tribute of my respectful and affectionate gratitude to +the citizens of the state, and their honored chief magistrate." + + +There was an incident connected with General Lafayette's escort to the +boundary of Baltimore, which deserves to be particularly noticed. The +cavalry troop was commanded by Samuel Sprigg, Esq. who, two years ago, +ended a full term of service in the capacity of Governor of the state +of Maryland, of which he was Captain-General and Commander in Chief. +Returned to private life, a wealthy planter, in the midst of all that +can render life easy and pleasant, he is proud of resuming his character +of a citizen, and becoming a member of a troop of horse, in which he +enrolls himself with his neighbours, who choose him their commander. In +that capacity, he has had the pleasure of receiving General Lafayette at +the boundary of his county, and escorting him through it. This incident, +we say, deserves to be noted as a fine practical illustration of the +principles of republican government. + +General Lafayette arrived in the city of Washington, according to +previous arrangement, about 1 o'clock on Tuesday the 12th. + +About 9 o'clock, on Tuesday morning, the General and suit left Rossburg, +and proceeded to the District of Columbia, at the line of which he was +met by the committee of arrangements from the city of Washington, and a +number of revolutionary officers, escorted by a handsome troop of city +cavalry, and a company of Montgomery cavalry. The meeting of the +General with his revolutionary compatriots, and with the committee, was +affectionate and impressive in the extreme. After many embraces were +exchanged, the General was transferred to the elegant landau provided +by the city for his use, drawn by four fine greys, in which he was +accompanied by Major General Brown and Commodore Tingey, members of the +committee; and his son George Washington Lafayette, his Secretary, Col. +Vassieur, and Mr. Custis, of Arlington, were placed in another carriage +provided for the purpose. The whole then advanced to the city, Capt. +Sprigg's company in front, the remaining companies proceeding and +flanking the carriages containing the General, his suite, the committee, +&c. On rising to the extensive plain which stretches eastward from the +capitol to the Anacosta river, the General found himself in front of the +most brilliant military spectacle which our city ever witnessed, being +a body of 10 or 1200 troops, composed entirely of volunteer companies of +the city, Georgetown, and Alexandria, some of them recently organized, +clad in various tasteful uniforms, and many of them elegant beyond any +thing of the kind we have before seen. Brigadier Generals Smith and +Jones were in the field with their respective suits and the field +officers of the first brigade. These troops, together with the large +body of cavalry, the vast mass of eager spectators which overspread the +plain, and the animation of the whole, associated with the presence of +the venerated object of so much curiosity and affection, gave a grandeur +and interest to the scene which has never been equaled here on any +former occasion. After the General had received the respects and welcome +of our military chiefs, the whole body of troops tools took up the +escort, for the capitol, wheeling into column, in East Capitol-street, +and then into line upon the leading division. The General and suite then +passed this line in review, advancing towards the capitol, and receiving +the highest military honors as he passed. + +After the military procession had reached the east end of the market +house, on East Capitol-street, which was handsomely adorned with proper +emblems, and the Declaration of Independence, above which perched a +living eagle of the largest size, the committee of arrangements and +General Lafayette and suite alighted from their carriages and preceded +by the committee, the General and suite passed through the market house, +which on each side was lined with anxious and delighted spectators, to +the east entrance of the Capitol Square, over which was thrown a neat +arch, decorated with evergreens and other ornaments, with appropriate +labels, expressive of the esteem and gratitude of the citizens to the +national guest; on the pinnacle stood another eagle. On entering the +gate, the General was met by a group of 25 young girls, dressed in +white, intended to represent the 24 States and the District of Columbia, +each wearing a wreath of flowers, and bearing in her hand a miniature +national flag, with the name of one of the States inscribed upon +it; when the one representing the district advanced and arrested his +progress, and, in a short speech, neatly and modestly delivered their +welcome to the nation's guest. After which each of the young ladies +presented her hand to the General, which he received in the most +affectionate manner, and with the kindest expressions. He then passed +a double line of girls, properly dressed, from the schools, who strewed +his way with flowers. Leaving the girls, he passed lines of the students +of the colleges and seminaries, with their respective banners, and +a company of Juvenile Infantry, dressed in uniform, and armed in a +suitable manner; and then the younger boys from the schools. All these +formed a numerous and highly interesting assemblage. Arriving at the +north wing of the Capitol, the General was conducted by the committee +of arrangements through the great door, up the grand staircase, into the +central rotunda of the Capitol, which though of immense size, was filled +with ladies and gentlemen; and, through it, received, on every side, +demonstrations of the most ardent and grateful respect. On leaving the +rotunda, he passed under the venerable tent of Washington, also filled +with ladies, revolutionary officers, and other gentlemen, to the front +of the portico of the Capitol, neatly carpeted, on which was erected the +tent. He was introduced to the Mayor, who introduced him to the Mayor of +Georgetown, the members of the corporation, and other gentlemen present, +when advancing to the front of the portico, in the presence of many +thousand spectators, the Mayor delivered an address, to which the +General replied. + +The General was then invited by the Mayor of Georgetown to visit that +town, in a chaste and neat address. + +To which the General replied, in a few words, that Georgetown was an +old acquaintance of his, where he had found many valuable and esteemed +friends, and he would visit it with the greatest delight, and thank its +citizens for their kind regards. + +After this, John Brown Cutting, Esq. at the request of the committee of +arrangements, and in behalf of himself and other revolutionary officers, +delivered a short address and complimentary poem, in a handsome and +appropriate manner. + +After having made a reply to this address, the General was introduced to +some other gentlemen; and was then conducted by the Mayor, attended by +the committee of arrangements, in the way by which he had ascended, +to the front door of the north wing of the Capitol, where the military +passed in review before him, saluting as they passed. Immediately +after his reception in the portico, a grand salute was fired in the +neighborhood of the Capitol by a company of Alexandria artillery. The +review being finished, the Mayor ascended the landau with the General, +attended by Gen. Brown and Com. Tingey, and the procession was resumed +in the same order as before; and passing through Pennsylvania Avenue, +proceeded to the President's house. In this passage the streets were +lined with spectators; but the most pleasing sight was the windows on +each side of it filled with ladies, in their best attire and looks, +bestowing, with beaming eyes, their benedictions on the beloved Chief, +and waving white handkerchiefs, as tokens of their happiness. + +On passing the centre market, another salute was fired from a battery +south of the Tiber, by a company of artillery. + +The General, with his son, the Mayor, committee of arrangements, &c. +thus escorted, having reached the President's house, (distant from the +Capitol more than a mile) passed into the gate of the enclosure, and +thence to the portico of the mansion. The General, on alighting, +was there received by the Marshal of the District of Columbia, and, +supported by Gen. Brown and Com. Tingey, and accompanied by the Mayor +and others of the committee of arrangements, was, with his son conducted +into the drawing room where the President was prepared to receive him. + +The President, stationed at the head of this circular apartment, had on +his right hand the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, +on his left the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, and, +ranged on each side the room, were the other gentlemen invited to be +present at this interview. The whole number of distinguished persons +present being fifty or sixty. + +On the General's reaching the centre of the circle, the President +advanced to him, and gave him a cordial and affectionate reception, such +as might have been expected from the illustrious representative of the +American people, to one of those early friends of theirs, whom, like +himself, they delight to honor. + +After the interchange of courtesies between the guest and the President, +he was welcomed by the Heads of Departments. Between him and Mr. +Crawford, with whom he had in France an intimate acquaintance, the +meeting was that of old and affectionate friends: and by all he +was respectfully and kindly greeted. Subsequently, the General was +introduced in succession, by the Chief of each Department of the +Government, to the officers attached to each. Liberal refreshments were +then offered to the company, and fifteen or twenty minutes were spent +in delightful conversation. After which the General took his leave, well +pleased with his reception, and, remounting the landau, proceeded to +rejoin his escort. + +Retiring from this affecting scene, the General passed in review, and +was saluted by the whole body of troops, which had been wheeled +into line, and extended from the President's square to the General's +quarters. On his alighting, he expressed his thanks to them for the +honor bestowed on him, and then another grand salute was fired by a +company of artillery: after which, the military were dismissed. He +retired, for a short time, to his private room; and, when he returned +into public, was, with his suite; introduced to a great number +of citizens, anxious to express their heartfelt respect to the +disinterested champion of their country's liberty. + +To an address from the Mayor, full of fine feeling, the General made the +following reply:-- + + +"The kind and flattering reception with which I am honored by the +citizens of Washington, excite the most lively feelings 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 +enjoyed at the sight of the immense and wonderful improvements, so far +beyond even the fondest anticipations of a warm American heart; and +which, in the space of forty years, have so gloriously evinced the +superiority of popular institutions, and self government, over the too +imperfect 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 modern names, I have, sir, the pleasure to +contemplate, not only a centre of that constitutional Union so necessary +to these States, so important to the interests of mankind; but also a +great political school, where attentive observers from other parts of +the world may be taught the practical science of true social order. + +"Among the circumstances of my life, to which you have been pleased to +allude, none can afford me such dear recollections, as my having been +early adopted as an American soldier; so there is not a circumstance of +my reception 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 bestowed on me, bear testimony to my perseverance +in the American principles I received under the tent of Washington, 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 +respectful acknowledgments to you and to the citizens of Washington." + +To the address and poem presented by John Brown Cutting, Esq. the +General made the following reply:-- + + +"While I embrace you, sir, and make my acknowledgments to those of our +revolutionary comrades, in whose name you welcome me to this metropolis, +be assured that I reciprocate those kind expressions of attachment, +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, yet I 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 the ceremony of the procession, &c. a public dinner was provided, +at which the Mayor of Washington presided, assisted by the Presidents +of the boards of Aldermen and the Common Council; and at which were +present, the heads of departments, revolutionary officers, military and +naval officers of the United States, members of the City Council, and +many distinguished characters from different parts of the nation. + +His reception by Mr. Monroe President of the United States, was most +cordial and honorable. He called on the President, the day of his +arrival in Washington, as before mentioned. The next day he was with Mr. +Monroe both at breakfast and dinner, and on Thursday, the President gave +a public dinner in honor of Lafayette, at which were present, the Heads +of Departments, many distinguished public characters from various parts +of the Unified States, and the principal officers of the army and navy. +While in Washington, he also visited the Secretaries of State, of the +Treasury, and of War, and Major General Brown, of the United States +army. + +Gen. Lafayette rode over to Georgetown, on Thursday, having been +earnestly invited by the Mayor and corporation to visit the city. And +the citizens demonstrated their gratitude and joy on the occasion, by a +military escort, and a respectable precession. But the most acceptable +offering was such as he had received in all other places, the +spontaneous and cordial salutations of the whole people. On Friday, he +visited the navy yard, by invitation of the veteran Commodore Tingey. +His reception here was remarkably brilliant and impressive; he was +accompanied by many distinguished citizens and public functionaries; and +the attentions of the naval veteran were honorable to himself and highly +gratifying to General Lafayette. He dined again, this day (Friday) with +President Monroe; and on Saturday proceeded on his proposed visit to +Alexandria, and Yorktown. He was accompanied as far as the Potomac by +the Mayor and committee of arrangements from Washington, escorted by the +Georgetown cavalry. On the south side of the river, he was received +by the deputation of Alexandria, attended by many other citizens, and +several officers of the army and navy of the United States. He was +received in Alexandria with the highest military honors, and escorted +through the town amidst the welcomes and shouts of many thousands of +inhabitants. A public dinner was given him; and the highest regard +manifested by all classes of people for this disinterested friend of +American freedom and independence. + +Sunday morning he visited the tomb of Washington, at Mount Vernon, +accompanied by Mr. Custis, the nearest male relative of that most +distinguished patriot. Lafayette spent an hour at this hallowed spot, +where, were deposited the mortal remains of his most respected friend, +whom he loved, venerated and was ever desirous to imitate. It was a +moment of sacred recollection; and while the living patriot and hero +reflected with mingled emotions of joy and sadness at the grave of one +who was his leader and examplar, in youth, he could not but anticipate, +with deep solemnity, the approaching period of his own departure. Mr. +Custis here presented him with a ring containing some of the hair of +his immortal relative. General Lafayette then proceeded on his way +to Yorktown, where he arrived on Monday; and was received with great +demonstrations of respect and joy. A steamboat was dispatched from +Yorktown down the river to meet the United States steam boat, which had +Lafayette on board. He entered the former near the mouth of the river, +where he was received by the committee from Yorktown, and conveyed to +that place, attended by four other large boats, crowded with citizens +anxious to see and welcome "the guest of the nation." One of the +committee addressed him, in a very affectionate and impressive manner, +as soon as he came on board of the Virginia steamboat. A great concourse +of people from the neighbouring towns were collected, and many from far +distant places, together with the most distinguished public characters +in the whole state of Virginia. There were also present on this +occasion, many officers of high rank of the army and navy of the United +States. + +Great preparations had been made by the citizens of Virginia, and by the +state authorities, to celebrate the anniversary of the capture of the +British army, under Lord Cornwallis, at this place, on the 19th of +October, 1781; an event, in which Lafayette took a very active and +useful part; perhaps no general in the siege, under Washington, was +more active and useful--an event, also, which had great and immediate +influence with the English government, to acknowledge our independence +and offer terms of an honorable peace. General Lafayette had been +invited, some weeks before, to be present in Yorktown, at this time. The +Ex-Presidents Jefferson and Madison, were also invited to attend, but +they both declined. Mr. Madison's want of health prevented; and Mr. +Jefferson declined on account of age and infirmity. We give his letter +in reply to the invitation. + + +_"Monticello, Oct_. 9, 1824. + +"SIR, + +"I received, on the 2d instant, your favor of September 27, conveying to +me the obliging invitation of the volunteer companies of the state, to +meet them and their distinguished guest; Gen. Lafayette, at York on +the 19th instant. No person rejoices more than I do at the effusions of +gratitude with which our fellow-citizens, in all parts, are receiving +this their antient and virtuous friend and benefactor; nor can any other +more cordially participate in their sentiments of affection to him. Age +and infirmities, however, disable me from repairing to distant occasions +of joining personally in these celebrations; and leave me to avail +myself of the opportunity which the friendship of the General will give +by his kind assurance of a visit. He will here have the pleasure +of reviewing a scene which his military maneuvers covered from the +robberies and ravages of an unsparing enemy. Here, then, I shall +have the welcome opportunity of joining with my grateful neighbors in +manifestations of our sense of his protection peculiarly afforded to us +and claiming our special remembrance and acknowledgements. But I +shall not the less participate with my distant brethren by sincerely +sympathising in their warmest expressions of gratitude and respect to +their country's guest. + +"With this apology for my inability to profit of the honorable +invitation of the volunteer companies, I pray you to accept for them and +yourself the assurance of my high respect and consideration. + +"TH. JEFFERSON." + +Hon. Mr. Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States, Major-General +Taylor of the Virginia militia, Mr. Bassett, many years a member of +Congress from the state, and a committee from Yorktown, went in +the steamboat to meet General Lafayette. The address of one of the +committee, on his entering the Virginia steamboat, was as follows: + + +"We are deputed by our fellow citizens now assembled at Yorktown, to +welcome you to Virginia. + +"We will not recount, in your presence, the real services you have +rendered this republic, and the virtues that so endear you to us, lest +even the simple voice of truth might pain the delicacy of a mind +like yours. But the emotions we all feel, of gratitude, affection and +veneration for you; emotions rendered more intense in each, by the +universal sympathy of others; these we cannot suppress. In the numerous +assembly, now anxiously awaiting your arrival, they are swelling in +every bosom, and hanging on every tongue, and beaming from every eye. + +"Yes, sir, you "read your history in a nation's eyes." A whole people +unite in one deep and glowing sentiment of respect and love towards you. +Wheresoever you go, the old greet you as their leader in arms, and their +companion in toil and danger; the partaker, too, of their triumph. The +young have been taught, from their earliest childhood, to honor and to +bless your name. The mothers and the daughters of the land shed tears of +joy at your approach. Your name is associated in the memory of us all, +with every name, and wish most of the events in our annals, dearest to +the American heart; with the illustrious and revered name of Washington, +and with the most glorious achievements of the revolution. + +"But, of all the states in the Union--though we will not say that +Virginia is the most grateful--yet she certainly owes you the largest +debt of gratitude. This state was the chief scene of your services. In +the day of her greatest peril, in the darkest hour of her distress, when +invading armies threatened to overrun the country, and all the horrors +of war were pointed against our very dwellings; Washington selected you, +his youthful friend, for the chief command, and securely entrusted the +defence of his native state to your courage and conduct. How zealously +you undertook, how well you fulfilled the arduous part assigned you, +with what honor to yourself, and with what advantage to us, no time +shall obliterate the remembrance. The general of the enemy, in effect, +pronounced your eulogium, when conscious of his own abilities, and +confiding in the superiority of his forces, he vauntingly said, "The boy +cannot escape me." History records, not only that our youthful general +did escape him, but that he held safe the far greater part of the +country, in spite of his utmost efforts; and came at last to yonder +spot, to assist in the capture of his army; to witness the downfall of +his hopes, the humiliation of his pride, and the last effort of British +power against American freedom. And now, after the lapse of forty-three +years, he visits the name spot again--happy to renew there the glorious +recollections of the past; and yet, happier, we hope, to see how +dearly we appreciate the blessings of liberty and independence which he +assisted us to achieve. + +"On that spot, sir, we are most proud to receive you. We hail you as the +hero of liberty and the friend of man. We greet you as the bosom friend +of Washington. We greet you as one of the father's of the republic." + +General Lafayette answered-- + + +"I am happy, sir, to find myself again, after a long absence, and to be +so kindly welcomed, on the beloved sail of the state of Virginia; that +state, to which I am bound by so many old ties of gratitude, devotion, +and mutual confidence. It is to the patriotic support I found in the +civil authorities of this state, whose generous spirit had already shone +from the beginning of the revolutionary contest; it is to the zeal, the +courage, the perseverance of the Virginia militia, in conjunction with +our small gallant continental army, that we have been indebted for the +success of a campaign arduous in its beginning, fruitful in its +happy issue. Nothing can be more gratifying to my feelings, than +the testimonies I receive of my living still in the hearts of the +Virginians; and I beg you, sir, to be pleased to accept, and transmit to +the citizens of this state, the cordial tribute of my grateful, constant +and affectionate respect." + +The beach and the heights of Yorktown were filled with anxious +spectators: the anticipation was intense. The Governor and Council were +stationed on a temporary wharf, erected for the occasion, to receive +him. Judges, revolutionary patriots, officers of the army, invited +guests and citizens, were also in waiting, in a separate group. +Lafayette landed with his companions, and supported by Colonels Fassett, +Harvie, Peyton and Jones; who introduced him to the Governor of the +State. The latter received him with the following speech:-- + + +"GENERAL 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 recognise the early, the steadfast, the consistent 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 behalf, 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 early 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 officer of the British army could never obtain the +slightest advantage over you; and whilst that officer spent his time in +harassing our distressed state you maneuvered before him with the +most unceasing caution and vigilance, 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 happiness to find you +in our country, the vast improvement 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 termination of the decisive campaign, in which you have the +goodness to ascribe to me so large a part, were attributable much more +to the constituted authorities and people 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 witness the accomplishment of American +liberty and independence, I have been yet happier in the assurance that +the blessings which have flowed from that great event, have exceeded the +fondest and most sanguine expectations." + +The General was then successively introduced to the councilors, the +judges, the revolutionary officers, and a number of citizens. The +procession then advanced--Gen. Lafayette, the Governor, Chief Justice, +and Mr. Calhoun, the Secretary of War, seated in the barouche. +Next Lafayette's son and suite, and the Council, &c. &c. in regular +succession. It advanced (the General's head uncovered) amidst the +salutes from the artillery company stationed on the heights and from the +steamboats and small craft--and amid the full swell of music. It passed +through the long lines of citizens and old revolutionary soldiers +arranged in two columns. It wound up the hill; and finally terminated +at the General's quarters.--On entering the house (Gen. Nelson's) he was +cheered by a crowd of citizens. + +The introduction of a number of ladies and citizens followed--receiving +all with interest and the quiet dignity of a spirit at peace within +itself, and pleased with all the world. The most interesting of these +interviews were with the soldiers of the revolution. One of them +advanced, seized the General by the hand, exclaiming, "I was with you at +Yorktown. I entered yonder redoubt at your side. I too was at the side +of the gallant De Kalb, your associate in arms, when he fell in the +field." The tears streamed from the veteran's eyes; and Lafayette showed +by his countenance the sympathy he felt. "Yes, my brave soldier, I am +happy to have lived, to meet you once more." + +After a short time, Lafayette, respecting that inestimable spirit of +equality which pervades over free institutions, went forth to salute the +crowd of citizens who stood in the street. He was stationed at the gate, +and the long line of gratified spectators passed by him. Each person +seized his hand as he passed him. To all Lafayette extended some mark +of kindness and consideration. The spectacle was deeply impressive. The +variety of manners in the different spectators was singularly striking. +Some as they approached, fixed their eyes on his face, and lingered +after they had passed, as if to drink in the last expression of its +countenance. Others advanced with the deepest feelings of awe, with +their eyes cast upon the earth. + +On Monday, Lafayette dined with a select company of some 20 or +30, consisting of the revolutionary officers, &c. At night, some +transparencies were exhibited over the door of his house, and under the +Richmond marquee." + +In truth, the scene exceeded all rational expectation: The committee +of arrangements deserve much encomium for their enterprising spirit +and judicious efforts. It is a seem which no man who saw it will ever +forget. The Virginians appeared in their true colours.--The moral +effects of this spectacle were sublime. There was an effect in it, +which no words can describe, "tears streamed from an hundred eyes. The +sentiments it diffused through several thousands of spectators, were of +the loftiest character. + +On this day, Monday 18th, the reception was purely civic, not a soldier +appeared under arms. But on the 19th the military spectacle was imposing +and brilliant. Soon after breakfast, Lafayette walked from his quarters, +to the tent of Washington, surrounded by the committee of arrangements +and others. Numbers were then introduced to him--many ladies, the +veteran soldiers of the revolution, citizens from other states and all +quarters of Virginia. + +Col. Wm. I. Lewis, of Campbell, was introduced to him, and delivered the +following address:-- + + +"GEN. 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 everything 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 our navy rides triumphant on the ocean. Such are the +effects of free government, founded on equal rights, supported by wise +and merciful 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 increasing glory, founded on virtue, which they +cannot imitate; and their political fears may again incarcerate you 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 universal nature +to call you to himself, crowned with the blessings of at least one free +and mighty 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." + +The costume and whole appearance of Col. 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. + +About 11 o'clock, the procession began to form for the triumphal arch, +erected on the ruins of the Rock Redoubt, standing within six yards of +the river's bank. The ceremony of the reception at that most interesting +point, was pathetic beyond expression. The old General advanced up +the hillock which leads to the redoubt, limping and supported by the +Governor, with his aids and members of the committee of arrangement. A +large column of officers and citizens followed them. When Lafayette had +reached the triumphal arch, General Taylor stepped from the semicircular +group, which was formed near the river's bank, saluted him with profound +respect, and addressed him in the following manner: + + +"GENERAL, + +"On behalf of my comrades, I bid you welcome. They come to greet you, +with no pageantry, intended to surprise by its novelty, or dazzle by its +splendour: 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 valour, +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 plow-share has not yet effaced the traces of +military operations; these half decayed ramparts, this ruined village, +in which the bombs' havoc is still every where visible, tell us of past +warfare; and remind us of that long, 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 eloquence 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 occupied by our enemy. +With how rapid a pencil does imagination present the blooming chieftain, +by whom it was wrested from his grasp. Can we be here and forget, that +superior to the prejudices which then enchained even noble minds, he +perceived in the first and almost hopeless struggles of a distant and +obscure colony, the movement of that moral power, which was destined to +give an new direction and character to political institutions, and to +improve human happiness. Can we forget, 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 recognise 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 restraining the extravagance of power, and always regardless 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 artificial stimulus 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 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, +somewhat from its worth, that it was conferred by the partiality of +compatriots, and in the fervor of admiration inspired by recent success. + +"Your life, General, illustrious throughout, in this also is +distinguished.--Time which dims the lustre of ordinary merit, has +rendered yours more brilliant. After a lapse of nearly half a century, +your triumph is decreed by the sons of those who witnessed your +exploits. + +"Deign then, General, to accept the simple but expressive 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 emblems +of civic 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 who 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 friend of your early youth; In 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 wreathe of double +triumph:--won by numerous and illustrious acts of martial prowess, 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." + +Lafayette was deeply affected. There was a solemn earnestness in his +manner, a touching sensibility in his whole countenance which most +deeply impressed every observer. Many wept--all were moved. When Gen. +Taylor had closed his address, he was about to fix the civic wreath upon +the General's head. But the considerate veteran, always himself, always +attentive to the slightest proprieties of word and action, caught the +hovering wreath as it approached his brow with his right hand, and +respectfully bowing, dropt 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 recollections, 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 alliance to support the rights of +American Independence, and he sacred principle of the sovereignty of +the people. 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 and esteem. You know, sir, that in this business of storming +redoubts, 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 gallant 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 their name, my dear general, 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 which you are pleased to honor us, and I offer +you the return of the most grateful acknowledgements." + +When he had closed, he gave a new proof of the rapidity 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 scene, never having seen the address, never having suspected 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, putting it into Col. +Fish's hand, "take it and preserve it as our _common property_." + +The whole scene was strongly marked by the moral sublime. This ceremony +over, the grand review commenced. Lafayette stood near the arch, and +the volunteer companies, and the U. S. troops passed him in regular +succession, with flags flying and music floating in the air. The troops +then formed themselves again in line, and Lafayette on foot, passed +down the line. He was carried to the obelisk, situated on the spot where +Vimionel had stormed the second redoubt.--The review over, and Lafayette +having seen and been seen by all the troops, he mounted his barouche 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 1781. Between +these, and the amphitheatre, where at least one thousand ladies sat, the +barouche passed on near to the ladies, who continued to wave 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 and joyous throng of from 10 to 15,000 persons. +The spectacle surpassed all expectation; all expression. + + +When at the tomb of Washington, Mr. Custis addressed him as follows:-- + +"Last of the generals of the army of Independence! At this awful and +impressive moment, when forgetting the splendour 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 token, +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 descendants of a distant day shall behold +this valued 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 Antonius? 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 +tablets, which are to convey his fame to immortality? They have long +been written in the freedom and happiness of their country. These are +the monumental trophies 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 labours, 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? +Surely, where liberty dwells, there must be the country of Lafayette. + +"Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, partook of its meridian +splendour; 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 pious duty, we will form your sepulcher; and, united in death as +in life, by the side of the great chief you will rest in peace, till the +last trump awakes the slumbering world, and call your virtues to their +great reward. + +"The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your returning +foot-print on our sands. The arms of millions are opened wide to take +you to their grateful hearts, and the prayers of millions ascend to the +throne of the Eternal, that the choicest blessings of heaven may cheer +the latest days of Lafayette." + +General Lafayette having received the ring, pressed it to his bosom, and +replied-- + +"The feelings, which at this awful moment oppress my heart, do not leave +the power of utterance I can only thank you, my dear Custis, for your +precious gift. I pay a silent homage to the tomb of the greatest and +best of men, my paternal friend." + + +General Lafayette was escorted to his quarters by the troops, and a +sumptuous dinner provided for him, and the distinguished civil and +military characters who were present on the occasion. The following +morning, the officers of the volunteer companies present, prepared a +military breakfast. The table was spread in the tent of Washington, +which was pitched at the volunteer's encampment. He left York Wednesday +afternoon, and reached Williamsburg in the evening, where he was +received with open arms by the citizens. Hence he proceeded to Norfolk, +where he had been previously invited, and where great preparations were +made to receive him according to his distinguished merit, and his highly +important services to the country. From Norfolk he was to proceed to +Richmond; and thence farther south through North and South Carolina, to +Georgia. Invitations have been given him to visit Kentucky, Tennessee +and Ohio; but it is probable he will decline them. For he intends +returning to Washington in December, and to spend most of the winter +season in that city. Early in the spring, he will probably visit the +northern states again; and embark for France at Boston, some time in +June or July. + +There is a strong and very general desire that Lafayette should pass +the remainder of his life in the United States; and that the national +government should provide a respectable establishment for him and his +family in this country. That the representatives of the people will be +ready to grant an honorable stipend, there cannot be a doubt. But France +is his native country and his home. There are his children and his +grand children. There, it is natural, he should desire to pass his few +remaining years. And such an intention, we believe, he has expressed. +What will be his final resolution on the subject, we will not +conjecture. + + * * * * * + +From the New-York 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. + + 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 triumph'd! 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 that rush'd on a torn, bloody pinion, + And soar'd to the sky 'mid the clamors of light, + 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 emotions, 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 WASHINGTON, brave LAFAYETTE. + + * * * * * + +TO LAFAYETTE. + + We'll search the earth, and search the sea, + To cull a gallant wreath for thee; + And every field for freedom fought, + And every mountain-height, where aught + Of liberty can yet be found, + Shall be our blooming harvest-ground. + + Laurels in garlands hang 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 mignonette + From every consecrated spot, + Where ties a martyr'd Huguenot;--. + And cull _even here_, from many a field, + And many a rocky height, + Bays, that our vales and mountains yield, + Where men have met to fight + 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 tinctured yet:-- + For air, and earth, and, sky, and sea, + Shall yield a glorious wreath to thee. + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Memoirs of General Lafayette, by Lafayette + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE *** + +***** This file should be named 7449.txt or 7449.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/4/7449/ + +Produced by Stan Goodman, Marvin A. 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