Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette

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The feelings of General Lafayette will appear by the letters he wrote
to his friends in this country, when he was expecting to make his
long-intended visit. The following is an extract from one addressed to an
old revolutionary friend, who had previously written to Lafayette. "I am
deeply affected by your kindly remembrance. No one among the survivors,
who sharedin our glorious cause and military fraternity, can be attached
more than I am, to the memory of our departed brethren, and to the ties
which bind together the surviving American companions in arm. Since our
youthful revolutionary times, many vicissitudes have passed over our
heads. But in every situation, I have enjoyed, with great delight, the
recollection of our struggle so glorious and so pure; of our Columbian
country, so excellent and promising; of our brotherly army, so gallant, so
virtuous and so united. How happy for us to see the present prosperous
result of the contest, which our toils and our blood have shared the honor
to support."

In January 1824, when it was known, that General Lafayette proposed to take
passage for the United States, the Representatives of the nation, in
Congress assembled, requested the President "to offer him a public ship for
his accommodation; [he declined this offer, and chose to embark in a
private vessel;] and to assure him, in the name of the people of this great
Republic, that they cherished for him a grateful and affectionate
attachment."

The Legislature of Massachusetts also, at its session in June last, adopted
a resolve, "requesting the Governor to make such arrangements, as would
secure to this distinguished friend of our country, an honorable reception,
on the part of this State, and authorising him to draw any sum from the
public treasury to meet the expenses arising thereupon."

The Society of Cincinnati of Massachusetts, at their anniversary meeting on
the fourth of July, it being then expected that General Lafayette would
soon visit the United States, unanimously passed the following vote. "It
being reported, that General Lafayette, an original member of the Society
of Cincinnati, intends visiting the United States in the course of the
present year, voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider what
measures it will be proper for this Society to adopt on the arrival of this
our distinguished brother; whose meritorious and disinterested services to
our country, in the war of the revolution, cannot be too highly
appreciated, and whose whole life has been devoted to the vindication of
the rights of man." A committee was then appointed for the purpose, of
which Hon. John Brooks (late Governor) was the chairman.

Letters were written to General Lafayette, before he left France by several
distinguished individuals, and by the Mayor of New-York and of Boston, in
the name and behalf of those corporations, expressing a strong desire, that
he would visit America, as it was reported he intended, and informing him
of the universal and sincere disposition of the citizens, to present him a
tribute of esteem and gratitude.

In a letter dated at Paris, May 26, in reply to the invitation of the
citizens of Boston, communicated to him by the Mayor, in their name, under
date of March 20th, 1824, he observed, "that amidst the new and high marks
of benevolence which the people of the United States and their
Representatives had lately deigned to confer upon him, he was proud and
happy to recognize those particular sentiments of the citizens of Boston,
which had blessed and delighted the first years of his public career, the
grateful sense of which had ever been to him a most valued reward and
support." "I joyfully anticipate the day," he added, "not very remote,
thank God, when I may revisit the cradle of American, and in future, I
hope, of _universal_ liberty. Your so honorable and gratifying invitation
would have been directly complied with, in the case to which you are
pleased to allude. [Footnote: This was the particular request that he would
land at Boston, if he did not come in a public ship, and feel obliged to
arrive at Washington.] But while I profoundly feel the honor intended by
the offer of a national ship, I hope I shall incur no blame, by the
determination I have taken, to embark as soon as it is in my power, on
board a private vessel. Whatever port I first attain, I shall with the same
eagerness hasten to Boston, and present its beloved and revered
inhabitants, as I have now the honor to offer it to the City Council and to
yourself, the homage of my affectionate gratitude and devoted respect."

When this letter of Lafayette was communicated to the Common Council of the
city, a large and respectable committee was chosen "to make suitable
arrangements for his reception, should he first arrive at the port of
Boston; and that on his visiting this city, should he disembark at some
other place in the United States, the committee provide for his
accommodation, during his residence here; and to adopt all such measures as
they might deem proper, to extend to him the hospitality of the city, and
to exhibit the feelings of gratitude, which the whole body of citizens
entertain for the splendid services, ardent patriotism and private worth of
the illustrious visitor."

Hon. Mr. Lloyd, Senator from this State in the Congress of the United
States, and particularly attached to Lafayette from family alliances, on
hearing of his intended visit to America, also addressed a friendly note to
him, at an early day, requesting the honor of receiving him at his
hospitable mansion. But the city authorities were desirous, that General
Lafayette, who might be justly considered the guest of the people and of
the nation, should be accommodated by the city in a more public manner: and
Mr. Lloyd, with his usual courtesy and regard to public opinion, resigned
his particular claims, although he was among the first and most eminent of
the citizens of Boston, to show peculiar and distinguished attention to the
favorite of the American people.

In his answer to the letter of Mr. Lloyd, he says, "in whatever part of the
United States I shall find myself, on reaching the beloved shore of
America, I shall lose no, time in my eagerness to revisit the city of
Boston, and answer the flattering invitation I have received. You do
justice to the delight I shall feel, at the sight of the felicity and
prosperity, which is the reward of a virtuous revolution, founded on the
principles of true liberty and self-government."

* * * * *

VISIT OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE

TO THE

UNITED STATES--IN 1824

His arrival was anticipated with great interest and impatience.
Preparations were in contemplation, particularly in New-York and Boston,
several weeks before he arrived, to receive him with such public marks of
veneration and joy, as were justly due to one so distinguished by an ardent
love of liberty, and by meritorious exertions for the welfare of our
country.

General Lafayette arrived in the harbour of New-York on the morning of the
15th of August, accompanied by his son, George W. Lafayette, and his
friend, M. Le Vasseur. A steam boat was in waiting, at the entrance of the
harbour, and they were immediately conducted to Staten Island, the
residence of the Hon. Mr. Tompkins, Vice President of the United States,
where he passed the remainder of the day, being Sunday. This is but a short
distance from the city of New-York: here many public characters and other
distinguished citizens repaired; on the day of his arrival, to offer him
their respectful salutations. The next day he entered this populous city;
and his reception was most splendid and cordial. Perhaps no hero of ancient
or modern times, if we except the respectful and universal attention paid
to Washington, when he made the tour of the United States in 1789, was ever
greeted with such a sincere and enthusiastic welcome.

"At an early hour, the whole city was in motion; almost every man, woman
and child was preparing to witness the landing of their much respected
guest. The shops and stores were closed, and all business was suspended for
the day. The ringing of bells, the roar of cannon, and the display of the
national flag, at all public places and on board the shipping, proclaimed
that it was a day of joy, in which all were anxious to partake. Before 12
o'clock, the battery, the adjoining wharves and every place commanding a
view of the passage from Staten Island, were crowded to excess. It was
supposed there were nearly 50,000 persons upon the battery, including the
troops. This elegant promenade, since its enlargement, is said to be
capable of holding nearly the whole population of the city, (130,000) but a
large portion of the front was occupied by the brigade of artillery and
other troops. The castle garden, almost contiguous to the battery, and its
gallery, were also crowded by the citizens.

"Between 10 and 11 o'clock, a large steam ship, manned with about 200
United States seamen, and decorated with the flags of every nation, sailed
for Staten Island. She was followed by six large steam boats, all crowded
with passengers, decorated with flags, and enlivened by bands of music. In
one of them, which exhibited only flags of the United States and of the
State of New-York, proceeded the committee of, arrangements of the city,
the officers of the United States army and navy, the general officers of
the militia, the committee of the Society of Cincinnati, &c. On board this
steam boat, General Lafayette embarked at Staten Island, for the city, at
about one o'clock. This was announced by a salute from the largest steam
ship, manned by the national troops, and from fort Lafayette. The
procession then moved for the city, and presented to its inhabitants, a
most beautiful and magnificent scene. About two o'clock the General landed
at the battery, where he was received by a salute from the troops, and the
hearty and reiterated cheers of the immense throng which had assembled to
welcome him to our shores.

"It is impossible fully to describe the enthusiasm of joy which pervaded
and was expressed by the whole multitude. Here the General had a fair
specimen of the affection and respect, which is felt for him by every
individual of this extended country. He seemed much moved by these
expressions of attachment, and bowed continually to the people who pressed
about him. After resting a few moments at the castle garden, he proceeded
in an elegant barouche drawn by four horses, escorted by the dragoons and
troops, through Broadway to the City Hall. The windows, balconies, and even
the roofs of the houses were filled with ladies, all welcoming the General
as he passed, by their smiles and waving of handkerchiefs.

"At about 4 o'clock, the procession arrived at the City Hall, where General
Lafayette was received by the Mayor and Common Council, and formally
welcomed and congratulated on his safe arrival in the country. After
receiving the marching salute of the troops in front of the City Hall, he
was conducted to the City Hotel, where he dined with the members of the
corporation. In the evening, the front of the City Hotel, and many other
adjoining buildings, were handsomely illuminated. The theatres and public
gardens displayed transparencies; fire-works and rockets in honor of the
occasion."--The committee of the Cincinnati waited on General Lafayette, at
Staten Island; and were received by him with peculiar marks of affection
and friendship. The committee consisted of several field officers of the
revolutionary army, some of whom were upwards of eighty years of age.

The following is the address of the Mayor of New-York, to General
Lafayette, when he arrived at the city Hall:

"In the name of the municipal authority of the city, I bid you a sincere
welcome to the shores of a country, of whose freedom and happiness you will
ever be considered one of the most honored and beloved founders. Your
contemporaries in arms, of whom indeed but few remain, have not forgot, and
their posterity will never forget the young and gallant _Frenchman_, who
consecrated his youth, his talents, his fortune and his exertions to their
cause; who exposed his life, who shed his blood, that they might be free
and happy. They will recollect with profound emotions, so long as they
remain worthy of the liberties they enjoy, and of the exertions you made to
obtain them, that you came to them in the darkest period of their struggle;
that you linked your fortune with theirs, when it seemed almost hopeless;
that you shared in the dangers, privations and sufferings of that bitter
struggle; nor quitted them for a moment till it was consummated on the
glorious field of Yorktown. Half a century has elapsed since that great
event, and in that time your name has become as dear to the friends, as it
is inseparably connected with the cause of freedom, both in the old and in
the new world.

"The people of the United States look up to you as to one of their most
honored parents--the country cherishes you as one of the most beloved of
her sons. I hope and trust, Sir, that not only the present, but the future
conduct of my countrymen, to the latest period of time, will, among other
slanders, refute the unjust imputation, that republics are always
ungrateful to their benefactors.

"In behalf of my fellow citizens of New-York, and speaking the warm and
universal sentiments of the whole people of the United States, I repeat
their welcome to our common country."

To this address, General Lafayette replied as follows:--

"SIR,

"While I am so affectionately received by the citizens of New-York and
their worthy representatives, I feel myself overwhelmed with inexpressible
emotions. The sight of the American shore, after so long an absence; the
recollection of the many respected friends and dear companions, no more to
be found on this land; the pleasure to recognize those who survive; the
immense concourse of a free republican population, who so kindly welcome
me; the admirable appearance of the troops; the presence of a corps of the
national navy; have excited sentiments, to which no language is adequate:
You have been pleased, Sir, to allude to the happiest times, the unalloyed
enjoyment of my public life. It is the pride of my heart to have been one
of the earliest adopted sons of America. I am proud, also, to add, that
upwards of forty years ago I was honored with the freedom of this city. I
beg you, Sir; I beg you; gentlemen, to accept yourselves, and to transmit
to the citizens of New-York, the homage of my profound and everlasting
gratitude, devotion and respect."

On the two following days after his arrival in New-York, General Lafayette
received the gratulations of a great number of the citizens; and on the
latter, was addressed by committees of the society of Cincinnati, and of
the Historical Society; and also visited the navy yard of the United
States. On board of the ship Washington, of 74 guns, his reception was very
splendid, and a sumptuous repast was provided. On Thursday, deputations
from the Frenchmen resident in the city, and from the gentlemen of the Bar,
waited on him, and presented congratulatory addresses.

In his answer to the committee of the Historical Society, he
observed,--"The United States are the first nation on the records of
history, who have founded their constitution upon an honest investigation
and clear definition of their natural and social rights. Nor can we doubt,
but that, notwithstanding the combinations made elsewhere by despotism
against the sacred rights of mankind, immense majorities in other countries
will not in vain observe the happiness and prosperity of a free, virtuous
and enlightened people."

To the gentlemen of the Bar, he replied--"Testimonies of esteem from so
respectable a body as the Bar of New-York, are highly flattering. I most
deeply sympathize, gentlemen, in your regret for the friend (Hamilton)
whose prodigious talents made him as eminent in your profession, as he had
been is our military, when he deserved Washington's most intimate
confidence. The truly republican form of the American constitutions, cannot
but endear them to every citizen of the United States. Yet, to any one, who
with an American heart, has had opportunities of a comparison with other
countries, the blessings of these institutions must appear still more
conspicuous."

The address of the French gentlemen in New-York, was very affectionate and
respectful, referring, in highly complimentary style, to the services of
Lafayette both in France and America. His reply is indicative, at once, of
patriotism, of attachment to the cause of rational freedom, and of his
regard for the United States, the land of his adoption. "It is a great
happiness for me, on my arrival in this land of liberty, to receive the
congratulations of my countrymen. At the moment of my departure, the
testimonials of affectionate attachment of many of my fellow citizens, the
parting accents from the shores of France, left in my heart the most
grateful emotions. I delight to participate with you the feelings which I
experienced in this happy American land, to which I am bound by so many
ties. We also, patriots of 1789, sought to establish the national dignity,
the security of property and the happiness of our beautiful France, upon
the sacred foundations of liberty and equality. Notwithstanding our
misfortunes, the cotemporaries of that epoch will inform you, that the
revolution of 1789, has greatly ameliorated the condition of an immense
majority of the people. Do not let us despair of the cause of liberty: It
is still dear to the hearts of Frenchmen; and we shall one day have the
felicity of seeing it established in our beloved country."

During the four days he remained in New-York, all gentlemen and ladies of
the most respectable families were individually introduced to him; and he
manifested great pleasure at the cordial welcome, with which he was
universally greeted. Splendid evening parties were given in honor of the
"nation's guest," at which he met many individuals whom he had known more
than forty years before. His interviews with "the war-worn veterans," with
whom he had been associated in times of danger, for the liberties of the
country, were peculiarly interesting and affecting. He embraced them; but
his feelings were so powerful, that he could not give utterance to his
sentiments for many minutes.

After his arrival at New-York, he early announced his intention to visit
Boston, where he had been particularly invited by distinguished
individuals, and by the city authorities; especially as the commencement at
the University in Cambridge, the literary jubilee of the State, was to be
celebrated in a few days. While in New-York, he received invitations by
committees or letters from Philadelphia, Albany, New Haven and some other
cities, to make a visit to those places respectively; but his desire was
first to visit Boston, if possible. Accordingly, he left New-York, where
his reception had been so very gratifying to his feelings, and where the
citizens were still eager to show him honorable civilities, on Friday
morning, for Boston, through New Haven, New London and Providence. He was
attended by a committee of the Common Council, the Major General of militia
and his suite, the General and field officers of the artillery and
infantry, and by strangers and citizens of distinction on horseback, and
escorted by the Huzzars of the 2d and 14th regiments, to Harlem, where he
was saluted by the 3d regiment of infantry. On leaving this place, he was
saluted by the Lafayette guards of the 2d regiment. The principal part of
the troops then returned; and the first regiment of horse artillery
continued the escort to the line of Connecticut. A salute was fired at a
place called Putnam's hill, on account of the memorable feat performed
there by General Israel Putnam, in the revolutionary war. The suite of
Lafayette consisted of his son and M. Le Vasseur, who accompanied him in
his voyage from France, and four of the Aldermen of New-York. The city
corporation had provided an elegant carriage to accommodate him in his
journey to Boston, and deputed four of their number to attend him in his
route. He traveled with great rapidity, passing the distance of thirty
miles in three hours. He appeared perfectly capable of enduring fatigue,
and discovered the activity and sprightliness of vigorous manhood.

They reached New Haven about midnight, on his approach to which he was met
by the governor's guard, and escorted into that city. Most of the buildings
on the principal streets were illuminated, and a national salute was fired.
"The night was almost turned into day, and the scene was very brilliant and
impressive." He was detained at all the villages on the road from New-York
to New Haven, through the eagerness of the citizens, to see and be
introduced to this distinguished hero of the revolution. The public road
was thronged with multitudes of both sexes and youth, who greeted him with
reiterated acclamations; and continued "welcome, welcome." They prepared
sincere, though simple offerings of respect to the man, "who fought not for
honor or for pay;" but in imitation of his political, American parent, was
devoted, life and property, to the cause of our country's freedom. After a
public breakfast, a visit to the college, and calls upon Mrs. Trumbull, the
widow of the late governor of the state, Hon. Mr. Daggett, senator in
Congress, and some other eminent characters, he left New Haven, for New
London, Saturday morning, attended by the city authorities and escorted by
a company of cavalry, a part of the distance, until met by another troop of
horse, by which General Lafayette and suite were then attended to Saybrook,
on Connecticut river, about forty miles from New Haven. Part of the Sabbath
was passed in New London; and at this place, he attended public worship. He
expressed a desire to avoid traveling on that day, as much as possible. At
New London, and at most other places on his journey, he met some of his old
revolutionary companions, who were delighted to see again in their own free
and happy country, a man who had devoted his earliest days and zealous
efforts to secure its independence.

He reached Providence on Monday, the 23d, at 12 o'clock, having been met at
an early hour, on the boundary line between Connecticut and Rhode Island,
by the aids of the Governor of the last named state. When he arrived at the
limits of the town of Providence, an immense crowd of citizens were
assembled to bid him welcome, and to offer him their hearty gratulations.
The houses and streets in the western part of the town, where he entered,
were filled with citizens, who greeted him as he passed with reiterated
cheers. "When he arrived in front of the State House, he alighted, and was
received in a very interesting manner. The avenue leading to the building
was lined with female youth, dressed in white, holding in their hands
branches of flowers, which they strewed in his path, at the same time
waving their white handkerchiefs. Lafayette appeared much gratified and
affected by this simple, but touching arrangement. In the senate chamber,
he was introduced to the Governor and many other distinguished characters;
among whom were several late officers of the revolutionary army. These he
embraced with much affection; and his emotions were so great, he was unable
to address them. He recognized Captain Olney, the moment he saw him, among
a crowd of citizens. This gentleman commanded a company under General
Lafayette, at the siege of Yorktown, and was the first to force the
redoubts thrown up by the British troops, and carried by our light
infantry, in a most brilliant manner, when led on to the assault by their
commander in person. At this interview, so affecting and interesting, a
thrill ran through the whole assembly, and not a dry eye was to be found
among the throng of spectators; while the shouts of the multitude, at first
suppressed, and then uttered in a manner tempered by the scene, evinced the
deep fueling and proud associations it had excited." Another respectable
veteran, of eighty-five years of age, was found among the multitudes
assembled to render their affectionate homage to Lafayette. He was a
volunteer in the expedition on Rhode Island, in the autumn of 1778, and
assisted in conducting the retreat from that place; under direction of the
Marquis, when the militia were in great danger from the superior number of
the British forces. The aged patriot was overwhelmed with joy, on beholding
once more, his beloved general.

On account of a previous engagement to be in Boston, Monday night, or early
on Tuesday morning, General Lafayette was obliged, though reluctantly, to
leave Providence the afternoon of the day he arrived there. As he left the
town he walked some distance, in order to view the troops, which were drawn
up in the public street leading towards Boston; and then entered his
carriage, accompanied by the Governor and several other public characters;
and amidst the cheers of the people proceeded on his journey. He was also
attended by the society of Cincinnati of the State of Rhode Island, as far
as Pawtucket river, the southern bounds of Massachusetts. When some one
expressed an apprehension, that he might be _fatigued_ by his rapid
traveling and the various scenes through which he passed in the course of
the day, he quickly replied, that he experienced too great pleasure, to be
sensible of any fatigue.

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