congratulations on your arrival in a country, whose wrongs you felt and
resented; whose liberties you valiantly defended; and whose interests
and prospects have always been dear to your soul.
"We all unite with the few surviving veterans, who were with, loved, and
respected you on the high places of the field, in giving you a welcome
to this village, once the chosen residence of savages, and the scene
of their most boasted triumph; and rejoice that you visit it under the
improvements of civilized life, in prosperity and peace.
"It gladdens us, that we and our children may behold the man, whom we
have believed, and whom we have taught them to believe, was second only
to his and our friend, the immortal Washington. We participate in your
joy, on beholding our institutions in vigor, our population extended, so
that, since you left us, from a little one we have become millions, and
from a small band a strong nation; that you see our glory rising, our
republic placed on an immoveable basis, all of which are in part, under
Providence, to be ascribed to your sacrifices, dangers and toils.
"We wish you health and prosperity. We assure you that wherever you
shall go, you will be greeted by our fellow countrymen, as one of the
chief deliverers of America, and the friend of rational liberty, and
of man. It is especially our prayer, that on that day in which the
acclamations and applauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect
you, you may receive from the Judge of character and Dispenser of
imperishable honors, as the reward of philanthropy and incorruptible
integrity, a crown of glory which shall never fade."
It is unnecessary to add, that this eloquent and pious greeting excited
strong emotions in the General, and had an impressive effect on the
assemblage who heard it.
The following is a report of General Lafayette's reply:--
"Accept my thanks, sir, for the kind welcome you have offered me in the
name of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In returning to this country after
so long an absence; in receiving such proofs of gratitude and affection
wherever I go; in witnessing the prosperity of this land,--a prosperity
you are pleased to say, I have been instrumental in promoting;--I feel
emotions for which no language is adequate. In meeting again my former
friends, in seeing the children and grand children of those who were my
companions in the war of the revolution, I feel a gratification which
no words can express. I beg you to accept, sir, and to offer to these
people, my grateful, my affectionate acknowledgments."
In passing through Sterling and Boylston, he was saluted by the
artillery companies in those respective towns, and hailed by the cordial
salutations of the people, who crowded from the neighbouring country to
behold the man, whom all delighted to honor. The whole population seemed
to be in motion; and both old and young were eager to offer him their
personal greetings. Several arches were thrown across the public road,
at short notice; but indicative of the grateful dispositions of the
citizens. This motto was observed on one of them--"_Welcome_ LAFAYETTE,
_friend of_ WASHINGTON, _and adopted son of America_."
His _entree_ and reception at Worcester was highly interesting. He
remained in this village several hours. The taste and wealth and
patriotism of this flourishing _shire_ town were unitedly and
spontaneously put in requisition to prepare due honors for the "nation's
guest." The number and neatness of the military, arches spacious
and highly ornamented, extensive lines of the citizens and of youth
expressing their gratitude in frequent and loud acclamations--all
conspired to render the scene particularly brilliant. Here, as in other
places, the ladies were eager to manifest the high estimation, in which
they held the character of this eminent friend of liberty and virtue.
He was addressed with great eloquence and feeling, by Judge Lincoln, in
behalf of the citizens of the town and county of Worcester.
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have spontaneously
thronged together, to offer you the tribute of their affection, their
respect, their gratitude.
"In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the _shire_ of an
extensive county of more than 75000 population, in behalf of all who are
present, and in anticipation of the commands of those, whom distance
and want of opportunity occasion to be absent from this joyous scene, I
repeat to you the salutations, which elsewhere have been so impressively
offered upon your arrival in this country, and your visit to this
Commonwealth. Welcome, most cordially welcome, to the presence of those
who now greet you!
"Your name, sir, is not only associated with the memorable events of
the American revolution, with the battle of Brandywine, the retreat from
Valley Forge, the affair near Jamestown, and the triumph at Yorktown;
but the memorials of _your_ services and _our_ obligations exist, in the
Independence of the nation which was accomplished, in the government of
the people which is established, in the institutions and laws, the arts,
improvements, liberty and happiness which are enjoyed. The _sword_ was
beaten into the _ploughshare_, to cultivate the soil which its temper
had previously defended, and the hill-tops shall now echo to the sea
shore the gratulations of the independent proprietors of the land, to
the common benefactor of all ranks and classes of the people.
"Wherever you go, General, the acclamations of Freemen await you--their
blessings and prayers will follow you. May you live many years to enjoy
the fruits of the services and sacrifices, the gallantry and valor of
your earlier days, devoted to the cause of freedom and the rights of
man; and may the bright examples of individual glory and of national
happiness, which the history of America exhibits, illustrate to the
world, the moral force of _personal_ virtue, and the rich blessings of
civil liberty in republican governments."
The General, in reply, said in substance, "That he received with
much sensibility, the expressions of kind attention with which he was
received by the inhabitants of the town and county of Worcester; that he
was delighted with the fine country which he had seen, and the excellent
improvement and cultivation which he witnessed; that he saw the best
proofs of a great, prosperous and happy people, in the rapid advancement
of the polite and useful arts, and in the stability of our free
institutions; that he was especially much gratified in the great
improvements of the face of the country, because he was himself a
farmer; that he felt happy to observe such decided proofs of industry,
sobriety and prosperity.--He begged the citizens to be assured of his
affectionate and grateful recollection of their reception of him; he
thanked them for all they had manifested towards him, for the kind
expressions; which had been offered him by the committee, and, in a
feeling impressive manner, reciprocated their good wishes."
Speaking to an individual of the attentions he had received, he
observed. "It is the homage the people pay to the _principles_ of the
government, rather than to myself."
The inhabitants of Sturbridge and other places through which General
Lafayette passed, on his way to Hartford, in Connecticut, assembled
in their respective towns, and presented him the ready homage of
affectionate and grateful hearts. Companies of artillery fired salutes;
ladies and gentlemen gathered round him to bid him welcome to America,
and to express their deep and lively sense of his past services; and
many veterans of the revolutionary army pressed upon him, without
ceremony or introduction, expecting, as they found, a friendly and
cordial reception.
General Lafayette was received at Hartford, in Connecticut, where he
arrived on Saturday morning, with similar marks of affection and esteem
to those so cordially bestowed on him in the towns he had already
visited. He was expected by the citizens on Friday evening, and
arrangements were made for a general illumination. He was escorted
into the city by the military, and a large procession of the citizens
received him soon after he entered within its bounds, and conducted him
to the State House, where he was addressed by the Mayor of the city, who
assured him of the affectionate welcome, with which the people received
him, and referred to the past services of Lafayette, which were still
highly appreciated. And he expressed great happiness in beholding so
many proofs of the prosperous state of the country, and in witnessing
the invaluable effects of our free institutions. The greater part of the
inhabitants of both sexes were personally presented to him; and there
was an assemblage of children of about eight hundred, the misses all
dressed in white, wearing badges with the motto, "_Nous vous aimons_
LAFAYETTE." A gold medal was presented him by one of the children, which
was enclosed in a paper containing these lines.
Welcome thou to freedom's clime,
Glorious Hero! Chief sublime!
Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd,
Vows of filial ardour breathed,
Veteran's cheeks with tears are wet,
"_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE."
Monmouth's field is rich with bloom,
Where thy warriors found their tomb.
Yorktown's heights resound no more,
Victor's shout or cannon's roar.
Yet our hearts record their debt,
"_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE."
Brandywine, whose current roll'd
Proud with blood of heroes bold,
That our country's debt shall tell,
That our gratitude shall swell,
Infant breasts thy wounds regret,
"_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE."
Sires, who sleep in glory's bed,
Sires, whose blood for us was shed,
Taught us, when our knee we bend,
With the prayer thy name to blend;
Shall we e'er such charge forget?
No!--"_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE."
When our blooming cheeks shall fade,
Pale with time, or sorrow's shade,
When our clustering tresses fair
Frosts of wintry age shall wear,
E'en till memory's sun be set,
"_We will love you_ LAFAYETTE."
In comparison with the population of Hartford, a greater portion of his
revolutionary companions were here presented to him than in any place
he had visited. The number was nearly one hundred. These marched before
him, in the procession, in a connected column and attended by their own
music. It is hardly necessary to say, that their beloved general gave
them a most cordial greeting. By one of the citizens, a sash and pair of
epaulets were produced, which were worn by Lafayette when he entered the
American army. The _sash was stained with blood_ from his wound received
in the battle of Brandywine. He left Hartford late in the afternoon, and
proceeded to Middletown, where he embarked in a steam boat for New-York.
The citizens of this place regretted, that he could not pass some time
with them; and receive the attentions, which their grateful feelings
would induce them to bestow on a zealous and able friend of American
independence.
HIS RETURN TO NEW-YORK.
General Lafayette reached New-York on the following day, about noon; and
was conducted to the City Hotel by the committee of arrangements, who
were in waiting to receive him, when he arrived at the wharf. Multitudes
assembled, who greeted his return, and renewed their joyful acclamations
on meeting him again as a guest of their city. On Monday, the Cincinnati
of the State of New-York gave a public dinner, in honor of "their old
companion in arms," at which were also present several other persons
of distinction, and the members of the City Council. This was the
anniversary of the birth of Lafayette; and the circumstance increased
the interesting associations of the interview. The hall of meeting was
richly decorated with appropriate emblems, and portraits of some of the
heroes of the revolution, and bearing the hallowed name of Washington.
In the toasts given on this occasion, were illusions to the important
events which occurred in the war of the revolution, and to many of
the distinguished characters, who conducted it to a successful
issue--Washington, Greene, Lincoln, Steuben, Knox, Gates, Clinton,
Kosciusco, De Kalb, Hamilton and others.
The first volunteer toast was by the President of the Society, and was,
"_Our distinguished guest_;" when a transparent painting was suddenly
illuminated and unveiled, and displayed a "WELCOME;" and over the head
of Lafayette a beautiful wreath of flowers was suspended. He rose and
said,--"with inexpressible delight at our brotherly meeting, with my
affection to you all, my very dear friends and companions in arms, I
propose the following sentiment; The sacred principles for which we
have fought and bled--_Liberty, equality and national independence_; may
every nation of the earth in adopting them, drink a _bumper_ to the
old continental army." [Footnote: Some of the toasts given by General
Lafayette on other occasions are here recorded, as they are indicative
of the opinions and sentiments which probably predominate in his mind.
At the public dinner in Boston, on the day of his arrival--"The city of
Boston, the cradle of liberty; may its proud Faneuil Hall ever stand a
monument to teach the world that resistance to oppression is a duty,
and will, under true republican institutions, become a blessing." In
the College Hall at the dinner of the Society of _Phi Beta Kappa_--"_The
Holy Alliance_ of virtue, literature and patriotism: It will prove too
powerful for any _coalition_ against the rights of man." At the military
dinner on the Common in Boston, when the brilliant parade took place
before mentioned--"The patriotic troops who have paraded this day,
they excite the admiration of every beholder, and fill the heart with
delight." At the dinner given by the citizens of Salem--"The town of
Salem: may her increasing prosperity more and more evince the blessings
of popular institutions, founded on the sacred basis of natural and
social rights." And at Portsmouth, he gave that town, and added, "may
the blessings of republican institutions furnish a refutation of the
mistaken and selfish sophistry of European despotism."]
On the next day, he visited the public Schools, the College, the
Hospital, and Academy of Fine Arts; and on Wednesday, embarked in a
steamboat to view the fortifications in the harbor of New-York. In
the evening following, he attended the theatre, and was received with
universal and repeated acclamations. Many eminent persons from distant
parts of the United States visited New-York, at this time, for the sole
object of meeting the celebrated friend of America. Among these
were Mrs. Lewis, a niece of General Washington; and Mr. Huger of
South-Carolina, the brave and generous youth, who attempted the
liberation of Lafayette from the dungeon of Olmutz, at the imminent
hazard of his own life; and who suffered a long and severe imprisonment
for his disinterested interference. He also visited the widowed ladies
of Generals Montgomery and Hamilton. Of the latter general, he was the
personal and ardent friend.
A public dinner was given to Lafayette by the French gentlemen resident
in New-York; many of whom were among the constitutionalists in France
in 1783; and who manifested equal respect and veneration for this
distinguished confessor of regulated liberty, as the citizens of
America. Several of the Aldermen of the city also gave splendid
entertainments to the guest of the nation, who could justly claim to
have acted an important part in the establishment of our freedom and
independence.
He consented to attend the examination of several of the free
schools--and appeared highly gratified by the evidence given of the
improvement of the pupils. At one of the schools, consisting of 400
misses, after the examination, the following lines were chanted by the
pupils:
Welcome, Hero, to the West,
To the land thy sword hath blest!
To the country of the _Free_,
Welcome, _Friend of Liberty_!
Grateful millions guard thy fame,
Age and youth revere thy name,
Beauty twines the wreath for thee,
Glorious _Son of Liberty_!
Tears shall speak a nation's love,
Whereso'er thy footsteps move,
By the choral _paean_ met--
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette!
The _African_ free school was not overlooked. While on his visit here,
one of the trustees announced, that General Lafayette had been elected a
member of the Manumission Society of New-York. The truly venerable John
Jay is President of this benevolent association. One of the children
stepped forward, and expressed their sense of the honor of the visit,
and of their satisfaction in reflecting, that he was friendly to the
abolition of slavery.
But the most splendid scene exhibited in this proud city, was the _fete_
at Castle-garden. This was an evening party and ball, at which _six
thousand_ ladies and gentlemen were present. It was the most brilliant
and magnificent scene ever witnessed in the United States. Castle-garden
lies at a very short distance from Battery-street, which is a spacious
and elegant promenade, on the south westerly part of the city. It was
formerly a fort, and is about one hundred and seventy feet in diameter,
of a circular or elliptical form. It has lately become a place of
great resort in the warm season of the year. Everything which labor and
expence, art and taste could effect was done to render it convenient,
showy and elegant. An awning covered the whole area of the garden
suspended at an altitude of seventy-five feet; the columns which
supported the dome were highly ornamented, and lighted by an _immense_
cut glass chandelier, with thirteen smaller ones appended.
The General, made his appearance about 10 o'clock; when the dance and
the song was at an end. The military band struck up a grand march, and
the Guest was conducted through a column of ladies and gentlemen to a
splendid pavilion. Not a word was spoken of gratulation--so profound,
and respectful, and intellectual was the interest which his presence
excited. The interior of the pavilion which was composed of white
cambric, ornamented with sky blue festoons, was richly furnished.
Among other interesting objects was a bust of Hamilton, placed upon a
Corinthian pillar and illuminated with a beautiful lamp. In front of
the pavilion was a triumphal arch, of about 90 feet span adorned with
laurel, oak, and festoons, based upon pillars of cannon fifteen feet
high.--A bust of Washington, supported by a golden eagle, was placed
over the arch as the presiding deity. Within the arch was a symbolic
painting nearly 25 feet square, exhibiting a scroll inscribed to
Fayette, with the words:--
"_Honored be the faithful Patriot_."
Soon after the General entered, the painting just alluded to was slowly
raised, which exhibited to the audience a beautiful transparency,
representing La Grange, the mansion of Lafayette. The effect was as
complete as the view was unexpected and imposing. Another subdued
clap of admiration followed this tasteful and appropriate and highly
interesting display.
Universal harmony and good feeling prevailed; and about half past
one o'clock, the General left the Castle, and embarked on board the
steamboat James Kent, in his excursion up the North River, amidst
renewed and prolonged acclamations. Eighty sets of cotillions were
frequently on the floor at the same time.
A writer concludes the account of this fete thus; "Taking into view the
immense space of the area, the gigantic ceiling of which was lined with
the flags of all nations, festooned in a thousand varied shapes, and the
whole most brilliantly illuminated, we can safely assert that there was
never any thing to equal it in this country.
"The seats now erected around the area will accommodate about 3000
persons.
"There were 200 servants employed on this occasion, dressed in white
under clothes, and blue coats, with red capes and cuffs."
He did not arrive at West-Point until about noon, having been detained
some hours on the passage, by the steam boat getting on the flats in a
thick fog. Before he reached this memorable spot, and as he passed
near the banks of the Hudson, the people collected in great numbers,
at several places, tendering him the hearty _welcome_ of freemen, and
expressing, by loud and long acclamations, their joy at his presence. On
his arrival at West-Point, the whole establishment were in readiness to
greet him. He was received under a national salute. Generals Brown
and Scott of the army of the United States were also here, to bid him
welcome, and bestow those honors due to the highest general officer in
the national service, as well as to one who justly merited the nation's
gratitude. He passed several hours at this celebrated spot; highly
pleased with the appearance of the cadets, and with the evidences
exhibited of improvements in military science. The recollection of times
long since gone by gave a deep interest to the visit at this memorable
post, some time the Head-Quarters of the American army; and the place
where the infamous Arnold attempted to barter away the independence of
the country. Some of the cadets wear the swords presented by Lafayette
to a corps of American troops in the war of the revolution.
At a late hour in the afternoon, he proceeded up the river to Newburgh,
where nearly 20,000 people were collected to greet him. They had been
waiting his approach with great eagerness, and arrangements had been
made to receive him with due honors, and expressive of their unbounded
affection and regard. The lateness of the hour prevented their being
carried into full effect. A splendid ball was given, and a sumptuous
repast prepared; and he was addressed in behalf of the town, by one of
the principal citizens. Arches were thrown across the principal street,
and most of the buildings were illuminated. He regretted, that he had
not more time at Newburgh; for this, too, is memorable as the residence
of WASHINGTON, and a part of the continental army in 1781. He embarked
on board the steam boat, at twelve o'clock, and proceeded up the river,
on his way to Albany. He reached Poughkeepsie at the rising of the sun.
But the militia were assembled, the banks of the river, and the wharves
were crowded by a happy population, impatient to present their offerings
of gratitude and esteem to their heroic and benevolent visitor. Their
repeated cheers made the _welkin_ ring. When he landed, he was received
by a battalion of the militia, in full uniform. A procession being
formed, he was conducted through the most populous part of the town, to
the city hotel, receiving as he passed, the constant greetings of the
people.
The spacious hall in which breakfast was provided for him, was
tastefully ornamented, and in various public places, inscriptions
and mottos were displayed, which were expressive of the affection and
respect of the inhabitants for their distinguished guest. A number of
his old companions in arms were presented to him, both at this place and
at Newburgh; among them was one who had served with much credit as an
officer through the war, who was _ninety-five_ years of age, with all
his faculties unimpaired.
The reception of Lafayette at Catskill, Hudson and Livingston's manor,
was highly gratifying to him, and honorable to the sensibility and
patriotism of the people. He was every where met with demonstrations of
joy. The overflowing gratitude, the sumptuous hospitality, the military
pride, which were manifested wherever he paused, if but for an hour,
were new proofs of one universal feeling of affectionate attachment to
the friend of WASHINGTON and adopted son of the nation.