Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette

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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 he 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.

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