eloquent in its illustration. His object was to present, in all its
force, the motive to intellectual and literary effort. He assumed the
progressive nature of the human mind; referred to the advances already
made in science and the arts, and in civil governments; noticed the
tendencies in society to higher improvements; and glanced at the
facilities for social happiness and intellectual and moral excellence,
in this western world, under our mild and republican institutions.
It was an uncommon display of talent and research, and of profound
observations on the present, improved and improving condition of man. He
pointed out the happy destiny which awaited the United States, which a
powerful imagination had predicted, but which sober facts also authorize
us to expect; and called upon the literary and patriotic youth of our
country to use all honorable efforts for hastening on this glorious
issue. In speaking of the wisdom, firmness and courage of our patriotic
fathers, by whom our liberties were secured, and our independence
established, he paid a just tribute to the disinterested and heroic
services of Lafayette, who cherished and aided our cause in the most
gloomy periods of the war. The reference was most appropriate; and the
statement of his zeal and efforts in our behalf, produced such a deep
conviction of his devotion to America, and of his influence in
obtaining the support of France, which, probably, saved our country from
subjugation, that a deep and strong emotion was produced in the whole
immense concourse; which, subdued as it was for a time, burst forth,
at last, in overwhelming and almost convulsive agitations. The orator
seemed not to aim at such an extraordinary impression. He reminded
his hearers indeed of "truths surpassing fiction;" he brought to their
recollection past scenes of danger endured, the generous and heroic
deeds performed--he spake of the "Paternal Chief," who was the guide
and support of other brave spirits, now laid low in the silence of
death--The effect was wonderful: the whole audience were melted into
tears of mingled gratitude and respect; gratitude for such patriotic
services, and of respect for the memories of men, who had secured the
blessings of civil liberty to the immense and increasing population of
this extensive country. Lafayette was very sensibly affected, by this
unexpected expression of gratitude for his early services, and by the
strong emotions manifested by the assembly, at the name of Washington.
The hours passed in the dining hall were consecrated to reminiscences of
the interesting events which occurred in the revolutionary contest, to
grateful recollections of the statesmen and heroes, who advocated and
defended the cause of freedom, and thus led the way in the glorious
march of human improvement and happiness, which the present generation
is so rapidly pursuing. Here were assembled the judges of the land, the
ministers of religion, the legislators of the state and nation,
several of the heroes of the revolution, and numerous eminent literary
characters from various parts of the United States, to unite with the
younger sons of Harvard, in offerings of affectionate gratitude to a
man, who had no gifts of power or titles of honor to bestow; but whose
useful services and uniform course of honorable and benevolent purpose,
in their estimation, claimed a higher tribute than was due to sceptered
princes, or the most renowned conquerors of ancient or modern times.
On Friday morning, committees from Portsmouth, Portland, Newport,
Haverhill, Newburyport, Plymouth, and from Bowdoin College, inviting him
to visit those respective places; where the people were desirous to see
him, and to offer personally their welcome salutations. He was unable to
comply with these flattering invitations, as he had engaged to return
to New-York, at an early day. But he received these testimonies of
attachment with great sensibility; and expressed a hope to visit them
before his final departure from the United States. He left his place of
residence in Boston at 10 o'clock, accompanied by Governor Eustis and
suit, Governor Brooks, the deputation from New-York, the Mayor and
committee of arrangements of Boston, and proceeded to Charlestown, which
he previously engaged to visit, at this time. As he passed through the
streets in the north part of the city, the people pressed around him,
testifying their regard, and cheering him on his way with repeated
acclamations. Raised arches, wreathes of evergreen, and variegated
colours added to the brilliancy of the scene. He was met at the
centre of the bridge, which is the dividing line between Boston and
Charlestown, by the Chief Marshal and his aids, and conducted to the
square, where a committee of the citizens of that town was in waiting to
receive him. A procession was then formed, headed by two marshals, and
escorted by a regiment of light infantry, and a battalion of artillery,
with martial music, consisting of the committee of arrangements, General
Lafayette, his son and friend who accompanied him from France; the
Governor and suite, Governor Brooks and General Dearborn, Judges of
the Courts and members of the Supreme Executive Council of the State;
deputation from New-York, Mayor and committee of Boston, officers of
the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the State;
strangers of distinction, and civil officers of the town of Charlestown.
It proceeded to Bunker Hill, where the chairman of the committee of the
town, addressed Lafayette as follows:--
"SIR,
"In behalf of the inhabitants of Charlestown, the committee of
arrangements present their respectful salutations to General Lafayette,
and bid him a cordial welcome to this town. This joyful occasion revives
high national feelings and recollections, and touches the springs of
gratitude by reminding us of that interesting period of our history,
which gave to our country a gallant hero, and to the rights of mankind a
steadfast champion. While we participate in the thrill of delight,
which every where hails the visit of our illustrious friend, we cannot
suppress the peculiar emotion of our hearts on receiving you, sir, on
the memorable heights of _Bunker_. On this holy ground, immortalized by
the dead, and sacred to the manes of revolutionary heroes: Over these
heights, liberty once moved in blood and tears;--her chariot on wheels
of fire. Now she comes to her car of peace and glory; drawn by the
affections of a happy people, to crown on these same heights, with civic
honors, a favorite son, whose early strength was given to her sacred
struggles, and whose riper years are now permitted to behold the
splendor of her triumphs. In the fullness of our hearts we give thanks
to Almighty God, who has guided and guarded your high career of peril
and renown.
"Permit us, beloved General, again to welcome you to our borders;--to
express our ardent hopes, that your valuable life may be prolonged to
the utmost limits of earthly happiness;--that the land which has been
enriched with the dew of your youth, may be honored as the asylum of
your old age;--that the country which now blends your fame with the
mild lustre of Washington, may henceforth hail you as a citizen of
Washington's country;--and that, during the residue of your years, you
may live amidst the attentions, as you will forever live in the hearts
of a grateful and admiring people."
To this address the General replied--
"With profound reverence, sir, I tread this holy ground, where the blood
of American patriots--the blood of Warren and his companions, early and
gloriously spilled, aroused the energy of three millions, and secured
the happiness of ten millions, and of many other millions of men
in times to come. That blood has called both American continents to
republican independence, and has awakened the nations of Europe to a
sense, and in future, I hope, to the practice of their rights. Such
have been the effects of a resistance to oppression, which was, by many
pretended wise men of the times, called rashness; while it was duty,
virtue;--and has been a signal for the emancipation of mankind.
"I beg you, sir, and the magistrates, and the citizens of Charlestown,
to accept the homage of my gratitude for your kind welcome, and of those
sentiments of affection and respect, which, for so many years, I have
cherished toward their town."
While on this memorable eminence, he was informed by Governor Brooks, of
the recent association for erecting a monumental pillar on that hallowed
spot, to perpetuate the remembrance of the justly celebrated battle of
the 17th of June, 1775; when a few regiments of undisciplined militia,
made a brave stand against a large regular British force, commanded by
generals of great experience and courage. This great event, so important
in the annals of our country, as it convinced the English government
of the resolution of the colonies to maintain the liberty which they
claimed, and of the daring courage of the American people. This event is
to be commemorated in June next, when fifty years will be completed,
by an oration, and other public appropriate services and ceremonies.
General Lafayette expressed great satisfaction of the proposal. He
requested that he might be considered a subscriber for the monument; and
assured the gentlemen present, that it would be his wish and endeavour
to attend the celebration.
General Lafayette availed of this opportunity to visit the navy yard,
in Charlestown, belonging to the United States, in compliance with a
previous invitation from the officer commanding on the station: and he
appeared highly gratified with the establishment in all its departments.
He agrees entirely with those enlightened politicians of our own
country, who have always considered a naval force of great advantage to
America, if not absolutely necessary to our Independence. He dined
this day with his Excellency the Governor, in company with several
revolutionary veterans, and a large number of public characters of this
and the neighbouring states, who were then on a visit to the capital.
Saturday, after receiving the salutations of the citizens, who were
desirous of being presented to him, he set off for Medford, to visit
his particular and valued friend, Governor Brooks. His reception in this
beautiful village, is represented as very interesting. The citizens had
comparatively short notice of the visit to that place; but they greeted
him with great cordiality, and the honors bestowed were not unworthy
of their distinguished guest. The main streets and the houses which he
passed before he reached the mansion of Governor Brooks, were filled
with children and people, who repeatedly bid him welcome, with great
cordiality, and expressed their gratitude and joy on beholding the man,
who they had learned, had done so much for their beloved country;
and who was the respected friend of one among them, whom they always
delighted to honor. A company of artillery fired a salute, as he entered
the village; and several arches were thrown across the street, decorated
with flags, and wreaths of flowers and evergreens. Under one of them he
was met by the selectmen, one of whom thus addressed him--
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"The selectmen of Medford, as the representatives of the town, deem it a
grateful and honorable part of their duty to bid you welcome.
"They are proud, sir, that Medford is the birthplace of one of your
companions in arms--a man, who by his bravery in the field, his
patriotism and civic virtues, contributed to acquire as much glory to
our country, as honor to himself.
"We rejoice, sir, that you both live to meet again, and to enjoy
together the consolations fairly derived from your virtuous and heroic
deeds.
"The minds of our countrymen traced your course with anxious solicitude,
through the French revolution, from your first success in the cause of
liberty, until the spirit of oppression confined you to a dungeon; and
their hearts were gladdened, when, by the influence of our great and
good Washington, their friend was at last set free. In the rich harvest
you are now gathering of the expressions of esteem and gratitude of
this numerous people, whose freedom and happiness your exertions
so essentially contributed to establish, we hope you will find some
compensation for all your trials, sacrifices and sufferings; and we feel
much complacency, that, in this respect you have gained so complete a
triumph over the monarchs of the world.
"Again sir, we bid you a most cordial welcome; and hope, the
testimonials of approbation you are receiving from every heart and
every tongue, will forever retain an instructive lesson to mankind,
that patriots who endure faithfully to the end, shall not lose their
reward."
The General said in reply--"I am most happy in visiting my old brother
soldier and friend, General Brooks, to be received with so kind a
welcome: You speak of _compensation_, sir; the smallest part of the
delight which I have experienced in America, would more than repay me
for all my services and all my sufferings."
Several evening parties were given in honor of Lafayette, while he
was in Boston, by some of its most distinguished citizens. On these
occasions, he manifested great pleasure on meeting the children or
relatives of the patriots of our revolution, with many of whom he had a
personal acquaintance. It was delightful to observe the eagerness with
which the ladies, old and young, pressed around him and the pride with
which they boasted of hawing taken his hand. His countenance and manner
discovered the joy which filled his heart, in cherishing recollections
of past services, which he might indulge without vanity; and in
perceiving the gratitude, which a deep sense of those services excited
among all classes. He manifested a desire to attend the religious
service of the Sabbath at the church in Brattle-street, where he had
formerly joined in worship with Bowdoin, Hancock and Cooper; he was
accordingly conducted there, accompanied by the Mayor of the City and
Chief Justice of the State. The sermon, by the learned and pious pastor
of that Church, which was an occasional one, was happily calculated
to direct and chasten the feelings of the audience. He inculcated the
sacred duty of confidence and joy in the providence and moral government
of God, and of gratitude to those who had been raised up to be
instruments of extensive blessings to our country. The most ardent
were gratified, while the more sober and devout were pleased, that no
complimentary panegyric was pronounced incompatible with the solemnity
of the place and day. In the afternoon he visited. Hon. John Adams at
Quincy; the truly venerable patriot of 1775; a decided, zealous advocate
for independence in 1776; the able and faithful minister of the nation,
at foreign courts; and sometime President of the United States.
Mr. Adams is eighty-eight years of age, and his constitution much
debilitated within a few years. But his powerful mind is still bright
and vigorous; and he dwells with great enthusiasm upon the glorious
prospects of our rising empire. His highly valuable services to the
country can never be forgotten. For no one, if Washington be excepted,
among the many firm asserters of our rights in the struggle for
independence, could justly claim a greater portion of gratitude and
praise from the present generation.
Desirous of offering all due honors to General Lafayette, and knowing
his taste for military exhibitions, the Governor ordered the militia of
Boston, which constituted a brigade, of the first division, and an equal
number from Essex and Middlesex, which included the second and third
divisions, to assemble on the Common in the city of Boston, on Monday,
the 30th of August; This was really a proud day, particularly for the
citizen soldiers of Massachusetts; but _all_ classes of the people
enjoyed this imposing and honorable display. For our militia are justly
considered the ornament as well as the defence of the republic.
Citizens of all professions take an interest in their appearance, their
discipline and their reputation. The ranks are composed of our valuable
and industrious population; and their officers are to be found among
our respectable mechanics, merchants and professional gentlemen. The
exhibition was the most splendid of the kind recollected by the oldest
inhabitants. There were above five thousand men armed and equipped, and
their appearance and movements would have done credit to regular troops.
Their officers are men of talents and ambition. The impression made upon
the minds of a great concourse of distinguished citizens, in the civil
department, who were present, was highly creditable to our military
system, and to those, whose duty it is to attend to the execution of
laws on the subject. The Governor, as Commander in Chief, had ordered a
spacious marque to be erected, where upwards of fifteen hundred people
were accommodated in partaking of an abundant collation; rations were
also dealt out to all the troops on duty at the expense of the State.
The spectacle was most magnificent. The officers and soldiers did
themselves and the State great honor by their exact discipline and
soldierly appearance; and by the promptness and regularity of their
movements. The illustrious visitor was highly pleased, the strangers
were gratified; and the militia themselves felt a conscious pride, in
having an opportunity to offer appropriate salutations to one who was
both a soldier and a philanthropist.
Should it be supposed by the sober citizens of other countries, or
by those in our own, who did not join in these offerings of grateful
admiration to Lafayette, and who therefore could have felt nothing of
the enthusiasm which such scenes are calculated to produce; that there
was too much parade or an undue measure of sensibility manifested on
this occasion; it may be proper to observe, that no conclusion is to be
drawn from this great rejoicing, that the people of Boston, or in fact
of the United States, are disposed to pay higher regard to eminent
men of the military than in the civil department; or that they have
so little discrimination, as to bestow applause upon merely splendid
achievements. It is believed to be a fact, that the most intelligent and
sober part of the community were as ready to engage in these processions
and ceremonies as those of the more common and uninformed class of
citizens. How could it be otherwise? These are convincing proofs of the
zeal, disinterestedness and devotion of General Lafayette to the
cause of American liberty and independence--of his bravery, activity,
judgment, constancy and fidelity--of his attachment to Washington and
other patriots, and of their regard for him; and of his uniform support
of regulated liberty in his own country. In his early days, he had
risked every thing and had done every thing which an individual could
possibly endure or attempt, in our behalf. He had now in advanced life,
left his own beloved retirement in a distant hemisphere, to visit this
land of liberty, and of his affections; to behold the prosperity,
order, enjoyment and felicity of a great people. His character, too, is
unstained by bloodshed and crime; it is consecrated on the contrary by
the prayers, and tears and benedictions, of all good men in America and
Europe. Who then will censure or wonder, that he should be received
by the moral and sober people of America, with all that cordiality and
enthusiasm, which were discovered on his arrival among us? We do not
forget Washington; our beloved, and almost adored Washington--nor are
we insensible to the merits and virtues of other statesmen and heroes
of our own country. But, surely we may be allowed to greet this old
distinguished benefactor, with a cordial welcome, without subjecting
ourselves to the charge of extravagance or caprice.
The character of the militia in Boston, and generally through the state,
has been much improved within the last fifteen years. They have recently
adopted a cheap uniform; and great improvements have been made in
adopting the modern system of tactics. The independent companies
need not decline a comparison with regular troops; and, what is very
important to the respectability of the militia, their officers are
intelligent and ambitious, and actuated by a patriotic spirit, which
is a pledge of fidelity and a stimulus to honorable exertion. The high
praise bestowed upon the militia at this review, was justly merited.
General Lafayette left Boston on Tuesday morning for Portsmouth, in the
state of New Hampshire, intending to pass through Marblehead, Salem and
Newburyport, on his way to the former place. A number of distinguished
citizens, and a Committee of the City Council accompanied him to the
northern line of the city; and the governor's aids attended him to the
extreme part of the state adjoining New Hampshire. On his route, he was
greeted by the inhabitants of Chesea, Lynn and Marblehead, with great
feeling and respect, alike honourable to themselves and gratifying to
the friend and guest of the nation. Addresses were also made to him, in
these several towns, expressive of their gratitude for his services,
and of the lively sense they had of his present visit to the country. He
took breakfast at Marblehead, where almost the whole population of this
industrious and patriotic town were presented to him. He also met here,
some gentlemen celebrated for their naval exploits in the war of the
revolution.
His reception at Salem was very distinguished and splendid. At the
entrance of the town, he was met by the selectmen and committee, a
numerous cavalcade, and a large body of citizens in carriages, and
received a salute of artillery; on advancing a short distance within
the bounds of the town, the bells commenced ringing, and the escort was
joined by a battalion of light infantry, and a body of seamen, of about
two hundred, in blue jackets and white trousers, with ribbons on their
hats, stamped with the name of Lafayette.
"With the hearty cheers of these hardy sons of Neptune, the General
appeared to be peculiarly impressed. Over South Salem bridge were
two tastefully decorated arches--one bearing the inscription "WELCOME
ILLUSTRIOUS CHIEF! _Receive the pledges of thy Children to sustain
with fidelity the principles that first associated_ LAFAYETTE _with
the destinies of America_." These arches were surrounded by an immense
number of citizens, who made the air ring with their huzzas and
welcomes. The figure of an Indian Chief characteristically dressed, bore
labels inscribed "_Lafayette and Liberty. Welcome generous Lafayette_."
"The procession passed through the principal streets, which were
thronged with spectators; while the windows of the houses were crowded
with females, all eager to see and welcome the heroic visitor.
"Civic Arches, historical and patriotic Inscriptions, memorable eras,
wreaths of flowers and evergreens, banners and flags, were displayed
in many of the streets, enlivening the scene, animating the cheers, and
affording grateful recollections.
"Central street was gaily dressed in colours, and on an elegant arch
were inscribed the names of distinguished patriots of the revolution,
crowned with those of WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE. In North-street a
similar arch bore the inscription:--"_Honor to him who fought and bled
for the peace and happiness we now enjoy_." On an arch at Buffum's
corner, was inscribed, "LAFAYETTE, _the friend of Liberty, we welcome
to the land of liberty. He did not forget us in our adversity--In our
prosperity we remember his services with gratitude_." Near the above,
another arch bore a likeness of Lafayette, surmounted by an eagle.
"Near the avenue leading to the bridge at which, in February, 1775,
Col. LESLIE, with a detachment of the British 64th regiment, met with a
repulse in an attempt to carry off some canon deposited in the vicinity,
were banners, with the following inscription:--
_"Leslie's Repulse_, 1775.
_Lafayette's Renown_, 1824."
"In Winter-street an arch bore the following inscription on American
duck, made at the factory in Salem--
AMERICAN DUCK
"While winds shall blow, and seas shall roll,
While aught remains that's good and great,
Our _Native Duck_, from pole to pole,
Shall waft the fame of Lafayette."
"Washington-square was decorated with two arches, tastefully ornamented,
one bearing the name of the General in oaken characters and the second a
bust of Washington.
"On Washington-square the General passed between two lines of
boys, about one thousand in number, arrayed under their respective
instructors, all bearing Lafayette badges. One of the gates of the
square bore this inscription.--"_The children welcome with joy, the
illustrious benefactor of their fathers_." And as the General passed,
they shouted "_Welcome Lafayette_."
"Notwithstanding the heavy rain, this youthful band could not be
prevailed upon to leave the ground, but remained bravely at their post
until they had shared with their parents in the honor and happiness of
greeting the nation's guest.
"From Washington-square the procession passed to the Coffee-House, now
named _Lafayete Coffee-House_ (late _Essex;_) where, on a temporary
stage, erected in front of the house, the Committee of Arrangements
received their illustrious guest, and Judge Story, the president of the
day, in the most interesting and eloquent manner, welcomed him in the
following address:--
"General LAFAYETTE.