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17 Stan Goodman, Marvin A. Hodges, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed
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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,
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 do. 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.
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