Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Lafayette >> Memoirs of General Lafayette
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"General--Many of your co patriots have passed away, but the remembrance of
their virtues and their services, shall never pass from the minds of this
people; their's is an imperishable fame, the property of ages yet to come.
But we turn from the fond recollection of the illustrious dead to hail with
heart-felt joy the illustrious living, and again bid welcome, most kindly
and affectionately welcome, to the guest of the nation, the patriot
Lafayette."
The general made the following answer:
"My entrance through this fair and great city, amidst the most solemn and
affecting recollections, and under all the circumstances of a welcome which
no expression could adequately acknowledge, has excited emotions in my
heart, in which are mingled the feelings of nearly fifty years.
"Here, sir, within these sacred walls, by a council of wise and devoted
patriots, and in a style worthy of the deed itself, was boldly declared the
independence of these vast United States, which, while it anticipated the
independence, and I hope, the _republican_ independence, of the whole
American hemisphere, has begun, for the civilized world, the era of a new
and of the only true social order founded on the unalienable rights of man,
the practicability and advantages of which are every day admirably
demonstrated by the happiness and prosperity of your populous city.
"Here, sir, was planned the formation of our virtuous, brave, revolutionary
army, and the providential inspiration received, that gave the command of
it to our beloved, matchless Washington. But these and many other
remembrances, are mingled with a deep regret for the numerous
cotemporaries, for the great and good men whose loss we have remained to
mourn.--It is to their services, sir, to your regard for their memory to
your knowledge of the friendships I have enjoyed, that I refer the greater
part of honors here and elsewhere received, much superior to my individual
merit.
"It is also under the auspices of their venerated names, as well as under
the impulse of my own sentiments, that I beg you Mr. Mayor, you gentlemen
of both councils, and all the citizens of Philadelphia, to accept the
tribute of my affectionate respect and profound gratitude."
General Lafayette remained in Philadelphia a week; and the repeated and
constant attentions shown him by public societies and by distinguished
individuals, were such as might have been expected from the celebrated
hospitality and civism of that city, and such as was not unworthy of their
eminent guest. The governor of the state was attentive and courteous to him
during his whole visit; and other public functionaries, both civil and
military, were eager of the honor of manifesting their great respect for
his character. That portion of the citizens, who belong to the religious
society of Friends, appeared equally cordial and happy in an opportunity to
assure him of their esteem. It is not consistent with their principles to
make a great parade, or to prepare expensive and useless ceremonies. They
did not all approve of the plan of illumination. In the wish to have it
general, some ardent citizens censured the _friends_ for declining to do
it--But this was a mistaken zeal. The religious opinions and conscientious
scruples of all classes of people are entitled to respect. It would have
been altogether unjustifiable, had there been an attempt to force the
_friends_ into the measure. They are a very respectable class of citizens;
and we trust, that for no purposes of parade or ceremony, they will ever be
required to violate their consciences, or be subjected to insult for any
non-compliance. The following lines were written by one of that religious
society, on the occasion, and cannot fail to be acceptable to every liberal
mind.
TO LAFAYETTE.
O! think not our hearts void of gratitude's glow,
For the friend of our country, for _liberty's friend_,
Tho' we do not with others loud praises bestow,
The kind hand of friendship we freely extend.
We welcome thee back to the land where thy name,
In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere;
Tho' we bind not thy brows with the chaplet of fame,
Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute--a tear!
Yes--a tear of affection which starts to the eye,
When tracing thy storm-beaten pathway through life;
That thy principles pure could ambition defy,
Thy humanity prompt thee to stay the fierce strife.
In thee we behold not the chieftain whose sword
Delighting in bloodshed is ever unsheath'd;
But the friend of mankind, whose mild actions afford
A proof that his lips no hypocrisy breath'd.
Then welcome once more to the land where thy name
In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere;
Tho' we twine not thy brows with the war-wreath of fame,
Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute--A TEAR.
While in Philadelphia, General Lafayette visited the navy yard. The
Governor accompanied him in this visit, and he was also attended by a large
escort and procession. He was addressed by commodore Barron, in a very
appropriate and feeling manner. A great number of ladies were presented to
him at the commodore's quarters. On his return, he attended a splendid
entertainment provided for him by the Free Masons. A ball was also given in
honor of Lafayette, while he was in Philadelphia, the must brilliant and
the most numerous ever known in the city. The Miss Bollmans, daughters of
Dr. Bollman, who generously attempted the rescue of Lafayette from the
prison at Olmutz, were present. On one day, 2000 children assembled at the
State House to be presented to him; and one of them addressed him. The
scene was said to be uncommonly interesting.--The following was his reply
to the address of the Frenchmen in Philadelphia:--
"MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
"Amidst the enjoyments with which my heart is filled in this happy country,
I experience a very great one in seeing myself surrounded by the
testimonies of your friendship. It was in the hall in which now receive
you, that the sacred sovereignty of the people was recognized by a French
Minister, eleven years before it was proclaimed on the 11th of July, 1789,
in the bosom of the Constituent Assembly. You are right in thinking that
this first impulse of 1789, has, notwithstanding our misfortunes, greatly
meliorated the situation of the French people. I participate in your wishes
and your hopes for the freedom of our country. This hope is well founded,
these wishes will be fulfilled. In the mean while I am happy in tendering
to you this day the expression of my lively gratitude and tender
affection."
We give here also the address of Captain Barron to Lafayette, when he
visited the navy yard near Philadelphia:--
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"To receive you at this naval station with the highest honors, is not less
in obedience to our instructions, than to the impulse of our hearts.
"We rejoice in the opportunity of testifying to you, and to the world, our
gratitude to one distinguished among that band of glorious heroes, to whom
we are indebted for the privilege we now enjoy.
"You, sir, whose whole life has been devoted to the extension of civil
liberty, must at this period be enriched by feelings which rarely fall to
the lot of man.
"Turning from the old world, whose excesses have been almost fatal to the
cause of liberty, to the new, where that cause has prospered to an
unexampled degree, you see a proof, that political liberty is not
visionary.
"The soldier will here behold the nation for which he has fought, not
exhausted by his triumphs, nor sacrificed to idle ambition, but raised by
his valor to liberty and independence; and while enjoying these blessings
themselves, securing them for the remotest posterity.
"The patriot will here see a people, not distracted by faction, nor yet
regardless of their political rights, making the most rapid strides to true
greatness, and displaying in their happiness and security, the wisdom and
power of institutions engraved on their hearts.
"To you, sir, the soldier and patriot, we offer this cheering picture; and
if ever you can be recompensed for your generous devotion to us in our
revolutionary struggle, it must be in the pleasure with which you witness
our national happiness.
"Permit me then, dear General, to assure you that among the ten millions
that bid you welcome, none do it with more sincerity than those of the
navy."
Answer of General Lafayette.
"The extraordinary honors of which an American veteran is now the happy
object, I consider as being shared in common with my surviving companions;
and for the greater part, bestowed as an approbation of the principle, and
a tribute of regard, to the memory of the illustrious patriots with whom I
have served in the cause of America and mankind.
"It is with the most lively feelings of an American heart, that I have
sympathised in all the circumstances relative to the United States' Navy,
and proudly gloried in the constant superiority of the American flag over
an enemy, justly renowned for bravery and maritime skill.
"I am happy, my dear Commodore, in your affectionate welcome; but whatever
may be my feelings of personal gratitude to the Navy of the United States,
I feel myself under still greater obligations to them, for the honor they
have done to the American name in every part of the globe."
The 5th of October, Lafayette left Philadelphia, on this journey to the
south, by the way of Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington. He passed the
Brandywine, and entered Wilmington, the capital of Delaware, on the 6th
about noon. He was received with demonstrations of lively gratitude and
joy; and a sumptuous repast was provided for him. He then proceeded to
Newcastle in that state, and was present at the marriage of Colonel V.
Dupont, formerly one of his aids in France. From this place he proceeded to
Frenchtown, where he was received by the aids of the Governor of Maryland,
with a battalion of horse as an escort for their honorable guest. He was
waited on, also, by deputations both civil and military, from the city of
Baltimore, each of which offered him their cordial salutations in the name
of those whom they represented. General Harper was at the head of the
military deputation; and having given him a hearty welcome, introduced his
Brother officers, amounting to two hundred. Several revolutionary officers
and soldiers, who had repaired to this place for the pleasure of an early
meeting, were also introduced to him. The joy of the meeting was
reciprocal. Among the many former personal friends, he met here with M. Du
Bois Martin, who procured the ship in which Lafayette first came to America
in 1777. The interview must have been extremely interesting.
Lafayette embarked at Frenchtown in the steamboat United States, for
Baltimore, furnished for his accommodation by that city. On his arrival in
the river, columns of smoke in the direction of Baltimore, announced to
those on board, the approach of a squadron of steam boats; and in three
quarters of an hour the Virginia, the Maryland, the Philadelphia, &c. swept
gallantly by, two on either side, crossed immediately under the stern of
the United States, and took their positions _en echellon_. The Maryland and
Virginia then came close along side, their decks crowded with spectators,
who saluted the General with continued shouts. The whole fleet then
proceeded slowly up the river, all elegantly decorated with flags closed
into the centre as it passed the narrows opposite Fort M'Henry, and
dropt anchor, forming a semi-circle near the northern shore.
Just as the anchor was let go a signal gun was fired, and a squadron of
eight green and white barges, which had been awaiting the coming of
Lafayette, shot across the bows of the United States, and passing round in
regular order under the stern, came along side to receive the passengers.
The first was handsomely carpeted and cushioned, manned by masters of
vessels, and intended for Lafayette.
The General embarked in this boat amidst the repeated cheering of all
around, and pushing off made way for the others, which took on board the
committees and proceeded in order to the wharf.
The General was received on the way by the commander of the garrison, and
proceeded to the star fort. The Governor of the State was here introduced
to the General, who addressed him, to which the General made a feeling
reply. He was afterwards conducted to the tent of Washington by Governor
Stevens, within which he was received by the society of Cincinnati. The
scene was impressive. As soon as the first emotions had subsided, the hero
of the Cowpens, Colonel Howard, President of the society, addressed the
General, who, in reply, said language could not express his feelings. He
then embraced his old companions in arms. The General and invited guests
then retired to an adjoining marquee, and took refreshments; after which he
was seated in an elegant barouche, attended by Mr. Carroll, and Generals
Smith and Howard, drawn by four black horses, with two postillions in white
silk jackets, blue sashes and black velvet caps, led by four grooms
similarly dressed. At the outer gate, the procession was received by about
1000 cavalry. On passing Federal Hall, a salute was fired. Descending the
hall, the procession passed under an elegant arch, and another at the head
of Market-street, where his friends left the carriage, and the General
alone proceeded down the military line, in presence of thousands of both
sexes.
After this he descended at the Exchange, where he was received by the Mayor
and Councils, with an appropriate address and answer. He thence proceeded
in his carriage to Light-street, across which, at the entrance into Market-
street, an elegant pavilion had been erected, and where he was received by
a fine military assemblage. Here there was a truly splendid ceremony, in
presentment by the Mayor, to the General, with Pulaski's standard, made
during the revolutionary war by a Moravian Nun, at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,
which belonged to Pulaski's legion, raised in Baltimore in 1778. In 1779,
Count Pulaski was mortally wounded at the attack on Savannah; and these
colors, at his decease, in 1780, descended to the Major, who was sabred to
death in South Carolina. The venerable Paul Bentalou, Esq. now marshal of
the district of Maryland, and at that time captain of the first troop of
light dragoons, and senior surviving officer, inherited the standard of
the legion, which he has preserved with Great care to this day, with all
the fond recollections and attachments of the veteran soldier.
In the evening, the city was brilliantly illuminated, and many of the
public and private buildings exhibited appropriate transparencies.
On Friday, hundreds of citizens were presented to the General, in the Hall
of the Exchange; and in the afternoon he dined with the Mayor and
Corporation. In the evening, he attended the ball and supper given to him
by the citizens, which was truly splendid, and occupies many columns in the
description.
The General was also waited upon, and addressed in the most feeling manner,
by the French residents, to whom he replied in the most affectionate
manner.
At seven o'clock in the evening the General was received at Masonic Hall,
by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, in the presence of eight hundred brethren,
The General dined with the Cincinnati on Saturday. "On Monday he was
presented with a medal from the young men of Baltimore, with inscriptions
expressive of their gratitude. He afterwards presented several colors to
the fifth regiment, under Colonel Stewart, in his behalf, which were
received with the highest military honors. The General then reviewed the
regiment.--At eleven o'clock he left his lodgings, and proceeded in his
barouche to Whetstom Point, for the purpose of reviewing the third
division, under the command of Major General Harper. He partook of a
splendid military banquet. His honors on leaving the city were magnificent
as those of his reception. He departed under escort on Monday, over the
Washington turnpike. He was to pass the night 30 miles from Baltimore, and
enter Washington city on Tuesday at noon."
In no city which General Lafayette visited, had he met with a more cordial
welcome, or a more splendid reception, than in Baltimore. All were desirous
to do him honor and to express their feelings of gratitude and respect for
the guest of the nation. Many interesting recollections must have been
brought to his mind when in this city. It was here he passed some time in
1781, when he commanded the American light infantry in that quarter--when
the British had a large army in the vicinity, and our troops were destitute
of clothing, and in a state of great despondence. By his own personal
influence and responsibility, he obtained a loan here for the use of his
troops, which was necessary to their comfort, and served to render them in
a measure contented with their situation. The address of his old friend
Colonel Howard, in behalf of the Cincinnati of Maryland, who were assembled
in the Tent of Washington to receive his adopted son, and their beloved
brother soldier, was as follows:--
"GENERAL,
"A few of your brother soldiers of Maryland, who remain after a lapse of
forty years, and the sons of some of them who are now no more, are
assembled in the Tent of Washington, to greet you on your visit to the
United States; and to assure you of their affectionate and sincere regard.
This Tent will call to your recollection many interesting incidents which
occurred when you associated in arms with Washington, the patriot and
soldier, saviour of his country, and friend of your youth.
"Accept, General, our cordial sentiments of esteem for you, and of
gratitude for services rendered by you to our country--services which will
never be forgotten by the free and happy people of the United States."
To which General Lafayette replied--
"The pleasure to recognize my beloved companions in arms; the sound of
names, whose memory is dear to me; this meeting under the consecrated
_Tent_, where we so often pressed around our paternal commander in chief;
excite emotions which your sympathizing hearts will better feel than I can
express. This post also nobly defended in the late war, while it brings the
affecting recollection of a confidential friend in my military family,
associates with the remembrance of the illustrious defence of another fort,
in the war of the revolution, by the _friend_ now near me. [Colonel Smith.]
It has been the lot of the Maryland line, to acquire glory in instances of
bad as well as of good fortune; and to whom can I better speak of that
glory, than in addressing Colonel Howard? My dear brother soldiers, my
feelings are too strong for utterance. I thank you most affectionately."
The meeting of this Society was rendered peculiarly interesting,--there
being present, besides many other worthy veterans of the revolutionary
army, Colonel John F. Howard, the celebrated hero of the battle of the
Cowpens, January 1781, to whom Congress presented two medals, in testimony
of his singular bravery-General (formerly Colonel) Samuel Smith, who
bravely defended Mud-fort, and many years senator in Congress; and Paul
Bentalou, Esq. now marshal of Maryland district, who was the senior captain
of light dragoons, belonging to Pulaski's legion, in 1778. Here also the
very venerable Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the declaration of
independence, was introduced to Lafayette.
We give also an extract from the address of Governor Stevens, to the
General.
"SIR,
"In bidding you a hearty welcome to the state of Maryland, whilst I gratify
the feelings of my own heart, I express, though feebly, those of the
people, whom it is my pride and pleasure, on this occasion to represent.
Beneath this venerable canopy, many a time have you grasped the friendly
hand of our illustrious Washington, aided his council with your animating
voice, or shared with him the hardy soldier's meal. The incidents which the
association so forcibly recalls, however inspiring, it were needless to
dwell upon. The recollection of them fills the mind with gratitude; a full
measure of which is justly due to you, as the generous companion of our
fathers, the gallant and disinterested soldier of liberty--You are about to
enter the city of Baltimore, which you have known in other days. In her
growth and embellishment, you will behold a symbol of our national
prosperity, under popular institutions and a purely representative
government.--Welcome, thrice welcome, General, to the soil of Maryland.
Nothing which we can do, can too strongly express to you the affection and
respect which we entertain for your person and your principles, or the joy
with which we receive you among us, as a long absent father on a visit to
his children."
To this address Lafayette replied--
"While your Excellency is pleased so kindly to welcome me in the name of
the citizens of Maryland, the lively gratitude, which this most gratifying
reception cannot fail to excite, associates in my heart, with a no less
profound sense of my old obligations to this state, both as an American
General and a personal friend. I am happy, sir, to have the honor to meet
you in this fort, so gallantly defended in the late war, in presence of the
brave colonel of the worthy volunteers, whose glory on that occasion I have
enjoyed with the proud feelings of an American veteran. It was by a
Maryland colonel in the year 1777, that the British received, in the
gallant defence of an important fort, one of the first lessons of what they
were to expect from American valour and patriotism. The Maryland line, sir,
in the continental army has been conspicuous, not only in days of victory,
but on days either unfortunate or dubious. This tent, under which I now
answer your affectionate address; the monument erected to the memory of our
great and good commander in chief; the column of a later date, bearing
testimonies of a glorious event; my entrance into a city long ago dear to
me, and now become so beautiful and prosperous; fill my heart with
sentiments, in which you have had the goodness to sympathize.
"Accept, sir, the tribute of my respectful and affectionate gratitude to
the citizens of the state, and their honored chief magistrate."
There was an incident connected with General Lafayette's escort to the
boundary of Baltimore, which deserves to be particularly noticed. The
cavalry troop was commanded by Samuel Sprigg, Esq. who, two years ago,
ended a full term of service in the capacity of Governor of the state of
Maryland, of which he was Captain-General and Commander in Chief. Returned
to private life, a wealthy planter, in the midst of all that can render
life easy and pleasant, he is proud of resuming his character of a citizen,
and becoming a member of a troop of horse, in which he enrolls himself with
his neighbours, who choose him their commander. In that capacity, he has
had the pleasure of receiving General Lafayette at the boundary of his
county, and escorting him through it. This incident, we say, deserves to be
noted as a fine practical illustration of the principles of republican
government.
General Lafayette arrived in the city of Washington, according to previous
arrangement, about 1 o'clock on Tuesday the 12th.
About 9 o'clock, on Tuesday morning, the General and suit left Rossburg,
and proceeded to the District of Columbia, at the line of which he was met
by the committee of arrangements from the city of Washington, and a number
of revolutionary officers, escorted by a handsome troop of city cavalry,
and a company of Montgomery cavalry. The meeting of the General with his
revolutionary compatriots, and with the committee, was affectionate and
impressive in the extreme. After many embraces were exchanged, the General
was transferred to the elegant landau provided by the city for his use,
drawn by four fine greys, in which he was accompanied by Major General
Brown and Commodore Tingey, members of the committee; and his son George
Washington Lafayette, his Secretary, Col. Vassieur, and Mr. Custis, of
Arlington, were placed in another carriage provided for the purpose. The
whole then advanced to the city, Capt. Sprigg's company in front, the
remaining companies proceeding and flanking the carriages containing the
General, his suite, the committee, &c. On rising to the extensive plain
which stretches eastward from the capitol to the Anacosta river, the
General found himself in front of the most brilliant military spectacle
which our city ever witnessed, being a body of 10 or 1200 troops, composed
entirely of volunteer companies of the city, Georgetown, and Alexandria,
some of them recently organized, clad in various tasteful uniforms, and
many of them elegant beyond any thing of the kind we have before seen.
Brigadier Generals Smith and Jones were in the field with their respective
suits and the field officers of the first brigade. These troops, together
with the large body of cavalry, the vast mass of eager spectators which
overspread the plain, and the animation of the whole, associated with the
presence of the venerated object of so much curiosity and affection, gave a
grandeur and interest to the scene which has never been equaled here on any
former occasion. After the General had received the respects and welcome of
our military chiefs, the whole body of troops tools took up the escort, for
the capitol, wheeling into column, in East Capitol-street, and then into
line upon the leading division. The General and suite then passed this line
in review, advancing towards the capitol, and receiving the highest
military honors as he passed.
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