Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Lafayette >> Memoirs of General Lafayette
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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.
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