his retired residence, at La Grange, to call on him. The writer, who
gives an account of this meeting, observes, "that a stranger of an
interesting and graceful figure, came gently in," where he and Mr. Fox
were sitting, at the hotel in Paris, "advanced rapidly; and, embracing
Mr. Fox, showed a countenance full of joy, while tears rolled down his
cheeks; Mr. Fox testified equal emotion. It was M. de Lafayette, the
virtuous and unshaken friend of liberty. He had come from the country
to see Mr. Fox, and to invite him to his house. In a few moments their
sentiments were interchanged. The review of the past was taken in a
moment; and they soon appeared to be affectionate friends, who having
parted for a few days, were now reunited. Lafayette viewed the new
state of things with regret; not from any personal dislike of the first
consul, but from a rooted and principled conviction, that arbitrary
power is injurious to the happiness of mankind.
"In his retirement, and filled with gloomy prospects of the republic, he
lived in the most private and simple manner. In the bosom of an amiable
and affectionate family, he found every consolation. He frequented no
place of amusement; and, with a very limited fortune, exhibited the
bright example of a public man, content with a little, free from all
envious and angry feelings: and willing to live in dignified silence,
when he had not the power or influence to do good."
The visit of Mr. Fox and his friend to La Grange, is thus
described--"The towers and wood of the chateau appeared in peaceful
repose, as we drove near; and when we gained a full view of the
building, I felt great emotion; it was the residence of a great and good
man--a patriot and friend of mankind, whose life had been consecrated
to virtue and liberty; the family came to the hall to meet us, happy in
themselves, and rejoicing to see the illustrious friend of Lafayette!
I cannot forget that moment--no silly affectation, no airs of idle
ceremony were seen at the residence of him, who had gloriously struggled
for America, and had done all he could for France.
"M. de Lafayette and Madame received Mr. and Mrs. Fox with the heartiest
welcome. The family consisted of two daughters, and a son and his wife,
all young and elegant; all living with M. de Lafayette, as a brother
and friend. His graceful and manly form, his benevolent countenance, his
frank and warm manners, which made him almost adored by his family, and
a placid contentedness, nearly allied to cheerfulness; altogether had
an irresistible effect, in gaining the affections and esteem of those
admitted to his more intimate society.
"Madame de Lafayette, of the noble family of Noailes, was a superior
and admirable woman, possessing the high polish of the ancient nobility,
eloquent and animated. Fondly attached to M. de Lafayette and her
family, she regretted nothing of past splendor; she possessed an
affectionate husband, and was happy in retirement. The son was a
pleasing young man, and his wife engaging and interesting; the daughters
were charming women, entirely free from the insipid languor or
wretched affectation, which in young ladies of fashion so much destroys
originality of character, and makes us find, in one of the fashionables,
the prototype and pattern of thousands. In a word, this amiable and
happy family seemed united by one bond of affection, and to desire
nothing beyond the circle of their own tranquil mansion.
"The chateau and estate of La Grange, which Madame, who was an heiress,
had brought with her, was all that remained of his fortune. He had lost
every thing besides in the madness of revolutionary confiscation; and
had not yet been able to procure restitution or compensation. To add to
the interest of the scene, General Fitzpatrick who had known Lafayette
in America, and had vainly attempted, in the British house of Commons,
to rouse the ministry to a sense of humanity and justice for him, joined
the party at La Grange, at this time. That accomplished man was an
addition to our society, and was received most affectionately by the
family of Lafayette. I have often contemplated with great pleasure, Mr.
Fox, General Fitzpatrick and M. de Lafayette walking in the long shady
grove near the chateau, speaking of past times, the war in America, and
the revolution in France. The rare sight of three such characters was
grateful to any one who felt friendly to the cause of civil liberty, and
valued men for their services to humanity, rather than for successful
ambition.
"Lafayette spoke a good deal of America; and we learnt from him
something of his various and useful services for that country, at the
court of Louis, as well as of his personal efforts, during the struggle
for independence. His political career in France had not the same happy
result, as in America; but it should be considered, that his situation
in the former was arduous beyond measure. A friend to limited monarchy,
and to the legitimate rights of the people, at a time when the support
of one was deemed hostility to the other, he found it impossible,
consistent with his principles, to follow the mania of the nation. A
king of integrity and firmness, with Lafayette as his counselor, might
have been safe, even in the tumultuous times preceding the seizure of
civil power by sanguinary demagogues. But Louis, it is feared, wanted
both these qualities; certainly the latter. Lafayette failed, therefore,
in his patriotic views; not as Bonaparte is said to have insinuated,
because he aimed at what was impracticable; but because those whose
interest it was to second his views, did not support him. A ruined
throne and desolate country subsequently attested the purity of his
principles, and the soundness of his judgment."
General Lafayette is of the _Catholic_ religion, which has been long
established, and is still generally professed, in France. But he
discovers nothing of that exclusive and intolerant spirit which has
distinguished the church of Rome, more especially in ages past. He took
an active part in favor of the proposition, in 1789, for securing the
rights of conscience and the privileges of worship to the protestants
of France, according to, their own particular belief. It was not to
be supposed that one of his enlightened views, and knowledge of human
nature, would be a bigot in religion; or would attach undue importance
to the external forms and the mere ceremonies of worship. He is
not, however, to be classed with many learned men in Roman Catholic
countries, in modern times, who merely _profess_ the papal system
because it is the religion of the state, while they are real infidels;
or skeptical as to the essential doctrines of christianity. It is not
improbable that his intercourse with liberal and candid yet pious men
is America, in his early years, served to produce in his mind charitable
sentiments toward those who were educated in a system differing somewhat
from that which he had been taught to revere, in its ceremonies and even
in some of its dogmas. He was several years intimately acquainted with
Washington, Lincoln and other military characters, who were men of
sincere, though of unostentatious piety; as well as with many of the
clergy of our country, whom he could not but esteem and respect; and the
natural effect of such intercourse would be a liberality of opinion on
religious subjects. It is, indeed, a consideration, creditable, in
some measure, to those who admit it, and tending also to prove that
christianity is calculated and designed to be an universal religion,
that intelligent men of different countries and sects unite in receiving
all the essential and practical doctrines of revelation. In a word,
"that God is no respecter of persons; but that in every nation he who
_feareth_ him and _worketh righteousness_ is accepted of him."
Having followed Lafayette through many years of an active and
eventful life, and having witnessed his course in various critical and
responsible situations, we may be prepared to form a correct estimate
of his talents, his wisdom and his virtues. It is far from our wishes to
pronounce an unqualified or exaggerated panegyric on his character.
But for the honor of our species and in justice to this eminent
philanthropist, it is proper that his heroic and generous actions, and
his firmness and perseverance of purpose in the cause of civil liberty
and of the rights of mankind, should be duly appreciated. And when
we reflect upon the ardour and constancy of his efforts in favour of
American Independence; upon his personal sacrifices and exposure
to danger in our behalf, in the field, and his solicitations as our
advocate at the court of Louis; upon his warm attachment to Washington,
and to the other patriots and heroes of our glorious revolution; upon
his attempts afterwards to improve the government of his own country and
to place some check upon the despotic power of a selfish, calculating
ministry; upon his uniform resolute, and fearless opposition to the wild
projects of factious men, who obtained ephemeral influence in France,
but whose conduct was equally hostile to the rights and welfare of the
people as that of the agents of an absolute monarch; upon his steady and
firm support of the constitution, formed by the deputies of the people,
and designed to guarantee their liberties; upon his desire to support
the dignity of the monarch, in unison with the rights of the citizens,
and his wishes to afford security to the person of Louis; and upon his
efforts to restore related and constitutional liberty, at the time
the present king returned to France, and when Napoleon was aiming
at unlimited power as perpetual dictator, are we not obliged to
acknowledge, that few men; very few, indeed, have done so much for the
social happiness of their fellows; that very few deserve the gratitude
and applause, which may be justly claimed for this very eminent asserter
of the rights of man. Success is too often made the criterion of human
merit. It is matter of great congratulation, that our revolutionary
struggle was successful; and it is believed, that Lafayette, by his
influence in France, and his personal exertions here, contributed very
much to its happy termination. In his own country, afterwards, he was
not so fortunate in attaining and securing the object at which he aimed.
But to the accurate and deep observer of character and events, it
will probably be apparent, that no one, however resolute, could have
established a government in France in 1790, upon the just recognition
of the rights of man, and the exercise of power, (even limited power) in
the reigning Prince. That Lafayette was upright and disinterested in his
purpose, perhaps, no candid impartial man will deny; that any one could
have produced a more fortunate issue, is at least very doubtful. He did
not want decision, or energy. He often acted with great promptness, and
gave proof of ready mental resources. He was also brave, and fearless of
personal danger. Other men might have conducted with more energy; but
it would have been at the hazard of a thousand lives and in violation
of constitutional principles. That Lafayette was not more efficient, or
more despotic, when he commanded the national guards, and the populace
of Paris went to Versailles and insulted the royal family; or when
the Jacobin faction, in June 1792, were ready to denounce him and
to prostrate the constitution, did not argue want of energy but the
influence of principle and a salutary love of order.
When it is recollected what important and disinterested services the
Marquis de Lafayette had performed for America, in the most critical
periods of our revolutionary war, and how active and uniform he had
been, through all the changes and excesses in his own country for
upwards of thirty years, it cannot be thought unreasonable, that the
citizens of the United States held his character in high estimation, and
were desirous of greeting him once more, on their own territory, which
he had assisted by his zeal and valour to defend. In his letters to
his friends here, and in the interviews, which he had with American
gentleman at his own hospitable mansion, he frequently expressed a wish
and an intention of again visiting this favored land of liberty. He
cherished precious recollections of the times, long since past, when
he joined with many brave and honorable spirits in the sacred cause of
freedom. To the patriots and heroes who achieved our independence, he
had a most sincere and cordial attachment; and his military associates
who survived, and their children, who had often heard of his heroic and
generous deeds, were eager on their part to welcome him to their country
and their affections; and to show to him and to the world, that they
entertained a high sense of his sacrifices and efforts in securing to
them the privileges and blessings they so richly enjoy.
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: