Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Lafayette >> Memoirs of General Lafayette
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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--
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