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.
At Pawtucket, he was met by the aids of Governor Eustis, the Chief
Magistrate of the State of Massachusetts, who had been dispatched,
the day before, to receive him at the line of the Commonwealth, and to
escort him on his way to the capital. Although it was now evening, at
several places on the road, large bodies of the militia were collected
to salute him; and assemblies of ladies and gentlemen were occasionally
met, who offered this illustrious stranger, but respected friend of
their country, their tribute of applause and affection. He was too
sensible of their sincerity and warmth of their felicitations, not to
delay his journey at several villages, and to reciprocate their kind and
cordial salutations. It was nearly midnight when he reached the town of
Dedham, about ten miles from Boston. Most of the houses in this
pleasant village were handsomely illuminated; and a great number of the
inhabitants of both sexes were assembled to greet him. During the
short pause he was able to make here, he was introduced to many of the
principal citizens of the town and vicinity, who had been anticipating
his arrival for some hours. When he passed through Roxbury, at about
1 o'clock, he was accompanied by a large cavalcade of citizens of that
place and from Boston; and a salute was fired by the Roxbury corps of
artillery. His arrival here was also announced by the ascent of rockets
from an eminence in the centre of the town; and the note of preparation
was thus given for the parade and pleasure of the succeeding day, which
had been anticipated with uncommon interest and delight. Lafayette and
suite proceeded to the mansion of his Excellency the Governor, to
which they had been invited; and the meeting between them was truly
affectionate and cordial.
On Tuesday the 24th the inhabitants of Boston hailed the morning light
with peculiar emotions, and were abroad at an early hour, preparing for
the general testimonies of gratitude and respect to be presented to
the "nation's guest." Many of the older citizens recollected him in his
youthful days; when he visited the town, _forty-six_ years ago, at the
request of Congress and Washington, to prevail on the French admiral to
co-operate with his fleet in some contemplated attack upon the British
Forces. They had not forgotten his zeal and ardor in the cause
of America. They knew his great attachment to and respect for the
_immortal_ chief of the American army, and the confidence, which
Washington cherished for Lafayette. Here too were many revolutionary
officers and soldiers, who had often witnessed his unwearied activity
and personal courage in seasons of difficulty and danger. The Society
of Cincinnati in this State contained many of his personal friends, who
shared with him in the toils and honors of the war of independence; they
had assembled, also, to offer the hand of friendship and affection to
their distinguished brother in arms; and to tell him of the happiness
which he had been instrumental, with others, in securing to _ten
millions_ of freemen. The curiosity of the young was awakened to hear of
the generous deeds and meritorious services of this celebrated visitor
from the old world. They were eager to learn his worth and, his virtues.
For they knew their grave and sober sires would not be so greatly moved
by the approach of any ordinary character, whatever might be his title
or his fame. The sensibility of the female breast was excited to a
lively glow, in reflecting upon the character of this eminent foreigner,
who had not only given proofs of great devotion to the cause of America,
and to the interests of civil liberty, but whose moral and social
virtues claimed for him the respect and admiration of all those who
loved innocence or commiserated distress. And all classes, without
intending to lessen the pre-eminent services and virtues of Washington,
who, under providence was the great and chief agent in achieving
our independence, and in preserving it, after it had been once
established--or to undervalue the important efforts and courage of many
other revered heroes and patriots, too numerous to be here named. All,
all, were eager to join in the spontaneous offering of gratitude and
affection to one so justly celebrated and so _greatly beloved_.
He entered the city, the capital of the state, about 11 o'clock; "and
his reception was a triumph and a jubilee. The day was as bright as his
laurels, and as mild as his virtues. The various bodies designated to
compose the procession, and perform the honors of the day, assembled at
an early hour, and at the time appointed." The cavalcade was formed in
Common street, at 9 o'clock. It was very numerous, and consisted of the
citizens of Boston, of all ranks and classes, on horseback. Proceeding
to the extreme southerly part of the city, near the line of Roxbury,
they were joined by the Mayor and Aldermen, and members of the Common
Council, the Society of Cincinnati, a great number of public civil
characters and strangers of distinction, all in carriages; by the
general and field officers of the first division of militia, and
officers of the army and navy of the United States. An innumerable
concourse of people on foot lined the side walks of the spacious street,
where the procession was to be formed, the entrance to the city from
Roxbury, and fortunately named WASHINGTON-STREET. The cavalcade then
proceeded to the mansion of Governor Eustis, which is a short distance,
within the town of Rosbury, and escorted General Lafayette and suite to
the line, where the city authorities and others, who were to compose the
procession, were in waiting to receive him. Here he was greeted by
the immense assemblage of citizens, with repeated and enthusiastic
acclamations, for several minutes, when the mayor welcomed him with much
feeling, in the following speech.
"SIR--The Citizens of Boston welcome you on your return to the
United States; mindful of your early zeal in the cause of American
Independence, grateful for your distinguished share in the perils and
glories of its achievement.--When urged by a generous sympathy, you
first landed on these shores, you found a people engaged in an arduous
and eventful struggle for liberty with apparently inadequate means, and
amidst dubious omens. After a lapse of nearly half a century, you find
the same people prosperous beyond all hope and all precedent; their
liberty secure; sitting in its strength; without fear and without
reproach.
"In your youth you joined the standard of three millions of people,
raised in an unequal and uncertain conflict. In your advanced age you
return and are met by ten millions of people, their descendants, whose
hearts throng hither to greet your approach and rejoice in it.
"This is not the movement of a turbulent populace, excited by the fresh
laurels of some recent conqueror. It is a grave, moral, intellectual
impulse.
"A whole people in the enjoyment of freedom as perfect as the condition
of our nature permits, recur with gratitude, increasing with the daily
increasing sense of their blessings, to the memory of those, who, by
their labors, and in their blood, laid the foundation of our liberties.
"Your name, sir,--the name of LAFAYETTE, is associated with the most
perilous, and most glorious periods of our Revolution;--with the
imperishable names of Washington, and of that numerous host of heroes
which adorn the proudest archives of American history, and are engraved
in indelible traces on the hearts of the whole American people.
"Accept, then, sir, in the sincere spirit in which it is offered, this
simple tribute to your virtues.
"Again, sir, the citizens of Boston bid you welcome to the cradle of
American Independence, and to scenes consecrated with the blood shed by
the earliest martyrs in its cause."
General Lafayette then rose in his carriage, and in a most interesting
and felicitous manner, replied as follows:--
"The emotions of love and gratitude, which I have been accustomed
to feel on my entering this city, have ever mingled with a sense of
religious reverence for the cradle of _American_, and let me hope it
will hereafter be said, of _Universal_ Liberty.
"What must be, sir, my feelings, at the blessed moment, when, after so,
long an absence, I find myself again surrounded by the good citizens of
Boston--where I am so affectionately, so honorably welcomed, not only by
old friends, but by several successive generations; where I can witness
the prosperity, the immense improvements, that have been the just reward
of a noble struggle, virtuous morals and truly republican institutions.
"I beg of you, Mr. Mayor, Gentlemen of the City Council, and all of you,
beloved citizens of Boston, to accept the respectful and warm thanks of
a heart, which has, for nearly half a century, been particularly devoted
to your illustrious city."
The reply of the General was received with new plaudits of the assembled
people; and "welcome, welcome Lafayette! friend of Washington! friend
of America! Friend of liberty!" was repeated again and again; and the
heights of Dorchester and Roxbury echoed with the joyful acclamation.
The procession was then formed, and passed through Washington, Milk,
Broad, State, Court and Common-streets; to Boylston-street, adjoining
the south part of the Common, in the following order--"Three marshals,
the Boston corps of Light Dragoons, a battalion of Light Infantry,
composed of the Fusiliers, Boston Light Infantry, Winslow Blues,
Washington Light Infantry, New-England Guards, Rangers, and City Guards;
and a full band of music. Then followed the chief marshal, attended
by aids; members of the City Council, Committee of Arrangements, the
President of the Common Council and senior Alderman, all in carriages.
Here was placed another marshal, immediately preceding the elegant
barouche, drawn by four beautiful white horses, in which rode the
distinguished GUEST of the city and of the nation, accompanied by
the mayor, with marshals also on either side. The son and friend of
Lafayette, and gentlemen aldermen from New-York, next followed in
carriages; and these were succeeded by the society of the Cincinnati,
public characters, Judges and Legislators, and distinguished strangers,
in carriages also. Immediately after, two marshals; field and staff
officers of the militia, mounted on horseback, and followed also by two
marshals. The cavalcade of citizens, of all ranks and in great numbers,
with marshals attending, closed the voluntary but triumphant procession."